By Fineline Cube 
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk’s (NYSE: NVO) China unit announced an organizational restructuring, merging its Obesity Business Unit into the Diabetes Business Department (DBD) to form a new Obesity & Diabetes Business Department (DOD). Zhang Hui, Corporate Vice President of Novo Nordisk China’s Diabetes Business Department, will oversee sales management for the new department.
New Responsibilities
Effective July 1, Novo Nordisk’s existing insulin sales team will also take on responsibility for promoting the obesity product Wegovy (semaglutide).
Leadership Changes
Zhang Yifan, former Vice President of Novo Nordisk’s Obesity Business Unit, will depart on June 30 to assume the role of General Manager for Lundbeck China (Mainland & Hong Kong). The position had been vacant since the departure of former Lundbeck China GM Jens Hoeyer, with interim leadership provided by Yang Shaohua, Vice President of Strategic Finance, Commercial & Partnerships at Lundbeck China. Upon Zhang Yifan’s appointment, Yang Shaohua will continue in his current role.
Background on Zhang Yifan
Zhang Yifan began his career as a management trainee at Novo Nordisk’s global headquarters. In 2023, he was transferred to Novo Nordisk China, where he established and led the obesity business unit, driving the launch of Wegovy in China. Concurrently, he served as National Sales Head for Novo Nordisk China’s GLP-1 diabetes business, overseeing commercialization of the diabetes brands Ozempic and Xultophy.-Fineline Info & Tech