By Fineline Cube 
Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) announced today that Chairman Helge Lund and six other board members will resign following a clash with the company’s largest shareholder, the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The move signals a significant governance shift as the foundation pushes for a deeper re‑configuration of the company’s strategic direction.
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Resignations | Helge Lund (Chair), Vice Chair Henrik Poulsen, Laurence Debroux, Andreas Fibig, Sylvie Grégoire, Christina Law, Martin Mackay |
| Foundation’s Position | Calls for a “more extensive reconfiguration” of Novo Nordisk’s business model |
| Board’s Vision | Renewal focused on selective new competencies while preserving core strengths |
| Next Steps | Extraordinary General Meeting to elect a new board; interim chair appointment |
Board‑Foundation Dispute
- The board’s proposal centered on incremental innovation—adding a handful of new competencies—while retaining the company’s proven diabetes‑centric framework.
- The foundation, wielding a majority stake, demanded a broader overhaul, citing long‑term competitiveness and regulatory shifts.
- Chairman Lund stated that convening an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was “in the best interest of the company and its shareholders” to clarify governance moving forward.
Interim Leadership Plan
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation will nominate Lars Rebien Sørensen, former CEO, as interim chair for a 2‑3 year period.
- Sørensen will support newly appointed CEO Mike Doustdar as the company seeks to regain growth momentum and identify a permanent chair.
- The foundation’s move reflects its strategic intent to maintain influence while allowing the board to rebuild.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Shareholders: Potential short‑term volatility as governance changes; long‑term prospects hinge on the new board’s ability to balance innovation with stability.
- Employees: Continuity of core diabetes operations expected; new initiatives may accelerate during the transition.
- Market: Analysts anticipate a mixed reaction—optimism for fresh ideas tempered by concerns over leadership uncertainty.
Forward‑Looking Statements
This release contains forward‑looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially.-Fineline Info & Tech