Prime Highlights
- Sanofi appointed Belén Garijo as CEO from April, making her the first woman to lead the French drugmaker.
- Garijo’s return is expected to accelerate strategy execution, drive innovation, and guide Sanofi into its next growth phase.
Key Facts
- Garijo currently serves as CEO of Merck KGaA and previously held senior roles at Sanofi, including head of pharmaceutical operations for Europe and Canada.
- The leadership transition sees Paul Hudson stepping down on 17 February 2026, completing the planned change at the company’s top position.
Background
Sanofi has announced the appointment of Belén Garijo as chief executive from April, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the French drugmaker. The company confirmed that Paul Hudson will leave his role on 17 February 2026, completing a planned leadership transition.
Sanofi’s board said Garijo brings the experience needed to accelerate strategy delivery and guide the company into its next growth cycle. Chair Frédéric Oudéa highlighted her strong record in global operations, innovation, and disciplined execution.
Garijo currently serves as CEO of Merck KGaA, where she became the first female leader of a DAX 40 company in 2021. A trained physician, she previously spent 15 years at Sanofi in senior roles, including head of pharmaceutical operations for Europe and Canada and a member of the executive committee. Her return is seen as a strategic homecoming with deep knowledge of the company’s culture and pipeline.
Sanofi said the new CEO will prioritise productivity, governance, and innovation in research and development. The company aims to convert its scientific investments into a stronger flow of late-stage treatments while reinforcing its position as an AI-enabled biopharma group.
Sanofi is preparing for the long-term changes in its portfolio. It plans to rely less on blockbuster drugs and grow new business areas. Investors see Garijo’s appointment as a move to improve execution and ensure steady performance.
Her work across Europe and the United States, and experience running large public organisations and acquisitions, will help her make Sanofi more competitive worldwide.
With a focus on disciplined delivery and innovation, Garijo is expected to lead Sanofi into a new phase of growth and value creation for patients, partners and shareholders.
