Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson Replaced by Belén Garijo Amid Company Challenges

Sanofi announced a significant leadership change as Paul Hudson, who became CEO in 2019, will leave the company effective February 17, 2026. The decision came after a board meeting on February 11, where it was decided not to renew Hudson's contract, which expires in April. Hudson led Sanofi for six years and had recently urged investors and the board for patience, noting that the company's research and development recovery could take five to seven years. Despite his optimism, progress was slower than anticipated.

Belén Garijo, current CEO of the German laboratory Merck KGaA and the first woman to lead a DAX-listed company since 2021, will succeed Hudson. Garijo previously worked with Sanofi until 2011 and sits on the board of L'Oréal, Sanofi's largest shareholder. She will officially take over as Sanofi's CEO on April 29, 2026, after the annual general meeting. In the interim, Olivier Charmeil, Sanofi’s executive vice president of general medicine and executive committee member, will serve as the acting CEO.

Paul Hudson maintained a normal schedule even as his replacement was confirmed, continuing to hold meetings past the board decision. The leadership change reflects Sanofi’s desire to accelerate its turnaround and strengthen its position amid ongoing challenges in R&D and the pharmaceutical market.