Paul Hudson has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sanofi since September 2019, leading the company’s transformation into an innovation-led biopharmaceutical company focused on breakthrough medicines and global access. Under his leadership, Sanofi has strengthened its organisational culture, prioritised social impact, and embedded health and environmental sustainability into its long-term strategy. The company has focused R&D and commercial efforts on high-value therapeutic areas such as immunology, rare diseases, and specialty care, while advancing major product launches and achieving multiple regulatory approvals that address unmet medical needs globally. Hudson has also championed portfolio optimisation, strategic partnerships, and digital innovation to accelerate research efficiency and broaden patient access worldwide.
Before joining Sanofi, Hudson was CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals from 2016 to 2019. He also held senior leadership roles at AstraZeneca, including President of AstraZeneca US and Executive Vice President for North America, and began his career in sales and marketing at GlaxoSmithKline UK and Sanofi-Synthélabo UK. He holds a degree in economics from Manchester Metropolitan University, which awarded him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration in 2018 in recognition of his achievements in global healthcare leadership. Hudson’s extensive experience across major pharmaceutical companies informs his strategic approach at Sanofi, balancing scientific innovation, operational discipline, and a strong commitment to global health impact.
The 100 CEOs featured here reflect the diversity and complexity of modern oncology leadership. In 2025, some lead the world’s largest cancer institutions; others guide specialized societies or emerging innovators. What unites them is responsibility: for millions of patients, for the integrity of science, and for the future direction of cancer care globally.
This list is not a celebration of power, but a recognition of stewardship, accountability, and impact – and of the leaders whose choices continue to shape the fight against cancer. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025, and stay tuned for other special category nominations.
