Novo Nordisk poaches AZ's Helfgott to run Biopharm business
Novo Nordisk has poached a top executive from AstraZeneca, tasking Ludovic Helfgott to lead development of its haemophilia and human growth hormone franchises.
Helfgott joins from AstraZeneca, where he was most recently global vice president in charge of the company’s cardiovascular, metabolism and renal global franchise.
In that role he supervised both assets in development and on the market, working his way through the ranks after joining in 2005 in an international sales effectiveness role.
Since then he has held operational leadership roles in Italy, Spain and at corporate headquarters.
Based in Zürich, Switzerland, the French national will lead the development of Novo Nordisk's Biopharm business, which comprises the company's haemophilia and human growth hormone franchises.
He will be a member of Novo Nordisk's executive management team and report to CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen.
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Ludovic Helfgott[/caption]
Helfgott said: “I'm excited to join Novo Nordisk and look forward to working with the Biopharm team on improving lives for people with haemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases.”
The appointment of Helfgott follows the decision of Jesper Brandgaard, executive vice president of Biopharm and legal affairs, to retire after 20 years at the company.
He will remain in charge until Helfgott, who has an MBA from France's INSEAD business school, begins his new role on April 3 next year.
Fruergaard said: "I am delighted to welcome Ludovic Helfgott to Novo Nordisk and my executive team. He brings with him extensive experience in the development and launch of treatments for people with chronic diseases. In his new role, he will be instrumental in driving the continued development of our Biopharm business.
“I would also like to thank Jesper Brandgaard for his significant contribution to Novo Nordisk, both as our CFO for many years and most recently as head of Biopharm, where he has taken important steps towards bringing the business back on a growth track.”
