Sanofi Names Belén Garijo as CEO in Major Leadership Overhaul

Sanofi has announced a significant leadership transition, confirming that Chief Executive Officer Paul Hudson will step down in February 2026 after nearly six years at the helm. The board decided not to renew his director mandate, signaling a pivotal shift for the French pharmaceutical major as it navigates mounting competitive pressures and pipeline challenges.

Hudson, who joined Sanofi in 2019, oversaw a period marked by portfolio reshaping, cost restructuring, and targeted acquisitions aimed at strengthening the company’s innovation footprint. During his tenure, Sanofi sharpened its focus on specialty care and immunology while streamlining other divisions. However, investor concerns over research productivity and long-term growth prospects have intensified in recent quarters, prompting the board to pursue new leadership.

Olivier Charmeil, Executive Vice President of General Medicines and a longstanding member of Sanofi’s executive committee, will serve as interim CEO during the transition. He is expected to ensure operational continuity while the incoming chief executive prepares to assume full responsibilities later in the year.

Belén Garijo to Lead Sanofi’s Next Growth Phase

Sanofi has appointed Belén Garijo as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a historic moment for the company. Garijo will become the first woman to lead the pharmaceutical giant and one of the few female CEOs at the helm of a major global drugmaker.

Currently serving as CEO and Chair of Merck KGaA in Germany, Garijo brings extensive experience in healthcare, innovation strategy, and global operations. Notably, she is no stranger to Sanofi. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade with the company, holding senior leadership positions including head of pharmaceutical operations in Europe and Canada and serving on the executive committee.

Her return is widely viewed as a strategic move designed to accelerate research performance, reinforce governance standards, and enhance shareholder confidence. The board emphasized her deep scientific background, international leadership experience, and track record in driving transformation as key factors behind the decision.

Belén Garijo is expected to formally assume the CEO role in late April 2026, pending shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. In preparation for her appointment, shareholders will also vote on governance adjustments related to executive eligibility requirements.

Market Reaction and Industry Implications

The announcement triggered immediate market reaction, with Sanofi shares experiencing volatility as investors assessed the leadership shift. Analysts note that the transition comes at a critical juncture for the company. Sanofi faces the dual challenge of replacing revenue from aging blockbuster medicines while advancing new therapies in competitive areas such as immunology, oncology, and rare diseases.

Industry observers believe the leadership change reflects broader pressures within the pharmaceutical sector, where innovation speed and pipeline depth increasingly determine long-term valuation. Competitors have recently delivered strong clinical data and regulatory wins, raising expectations for sustained growth across the industry.

Belén Garijo’s mandate will likely center on revitalizing Sanofi’s research engine, sharpening capital allocation, and strengthening its global positioning. Her prior experience managing diversified science portfolios and overseeing complex multinational operations is expected to play a central role in shaping Sanofi’s strategic direction.

While leadership transitions often create short-term uncertainty, many investors see the move as an opportunity for renewal. With a seasoned executive returning to familiar territory, Sanofi’s next chapter is poised to focus on disciplined execution, scientific excellence, and restoring momentum in an increasingly competitive pharmaceutical landscape.

Visit CIO Women Magazine for the latest information.