The former Novo Nordisk CEO is expected to succeed Dorothea Wenzel following Lundbeck’s 2027 annual general meeting, subject to shareholder approval of his election to the board.
PRWire: VALBY, Denmark, October 18, 2026 — Lundbeck has announced a planned transition in its board leadership, with former Novo Nordisk President and CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen proposed to succeed Dorothea Wenzel as chair following the company’s 2027 annual general meeting.
Wenzel has informed the board that she will step down at the meeting. Jørgensen will join as a board observer on November 10, 2026, ahead of his expected nomination for election as a director. His election will require shareholder approval, after which the board intends to appoint him chair.
The proposed succession comes as the brain health specialist prepares for the next stage of its Focused Innovator strategy, moving from a period of transformation toward what it describes as its “Scale” phase.
Pharmaceutical leadership experience
Jørgensen brings more than 30 years of international healthcare industry experience. He served as President and CEO of Novo Nordisk from 2017 to 2025, following senior leadership roles across its global organisation.
During his tenure, Novo Nordisk expanded its diabetes business and established a leading position in obesity treatment. His experience spans pharmaceutical strategy, innovation, commercialisation and organisational transformation.
He has also served as President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. According to Lundbeck’s announcement, he chairs Healthcare Denmark and serves on the board of Danmarks Nationalbank. He holds an MSc in Finance and Business Administration from Aarhus University.
A transition into Lundbeck’s next strategic phase
Wenzel joined Lundbeck’s board in 2021 and chaired its Audit Committee before becoming board chair following the March 2025 annual general meeting.
Her time on the board included the appointment of a new CEO in 2023 and the introduction of the Focused Innovator strategy in February 2024.
Vice Chair Lene Skole thanked Wenzel for her contribution throughout that transformation, saying the company was entering its next phase from a stronger position. She said Jørgensen’s experience would support continuity in board leadership and Lundbeck’s long-term ambitions.
Wenzel described the planned handover as a natural point to pass on responsibility, expressing confidence in the company’s direction and the foundation established over recent years.
Jørgensen highlighted Lundbeck’s position in brain health, its financial foundation and the potential of its late-stage pipeline. He said he looked forward to working with the board and executive leadership team to support the company’s next phase of growth.
Formal nomination to follow
Details of the nominated board candidates will be included in the notice convening Lundbeck’s 2027 annual general meeting.
Lundbeck focuses exclusively on brain health, developing treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. The company reports more than 5,000 employees across over 20 countries, with its products available in more than 80 countries.
