Paul Hudson posted the following on LinkedIn announcing his last day at Sanofi, thanking employees and stating that investing in science and building a durable pipeline is a long-cycle effort.
“Today is my last day at Sanofi.
While a LinkedIn post can’t capture the privilege it’s been to lead such amazing teams for more than six years, I want to sincerely thank all Sanofians for their relentless commitment and dedication to improving people’s lives.
From the labs to the manufacturing lines, from the field to the office teams, I’ve been inspired every day by our people’s sense of purpose and the unique Sanofi spirit that unites them.
I’m leaving with deep confidence in the foundations we have laid. We prioritized investing in our science, and that was the right thing to do. Building an innovative and sustainable pipeline takes a decade. When you aspire to bring real breakthroughs for patients, you can expect bumps along the way. Innovation always comes with uncertainty. That is not a weakness of our model—it is the very nature of scientific progress. Real impact for patients demands we never settle.
On a personal note, I’ve known Belén Garijo for almost 20 years, since we were both General Managers in Spain. I know she will give her all to take our journey further and deliver these miracles for patients. I wish her—and the incredible ExCom team—all the success they deserve.
Picture below: A throwback to the Paris 2024 Games, when 2,024 Sanofi volunteers from more than 50 countries came together in Paris—a true reflection of the company’s unique DNA and a moment I’ll always remember.”
Paul Hudson/LinkedIn
Following Sanofi’s announcement that Hudson’s mandate would not be renewed. The company subsequently appointed Belén Garijo as his successor.
Garijo has served since 2021 as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA. Merck credits her with transforming the organization, aligning more than 62,000 employees across 65 countries, and repositioning its Healthcare business toward oncology and immunology through portfolio restructuring and R&D reorganization.
Belén Garijo/LinkedIn
Her appointment marks a return to Sanofi, where she previously spent 15 years. During that time, she led the integration of Genzyme following its acquisition, served as Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations for Europe and Canada, and was a member of Sanofi’s Executive Committee.
Earlier in her career, Garijo worked in R&D at Abbott Laboratories. She currently serves on the board of BBVA and previously sat on the board of L’Oréal.
Sanofi has stated that her priority will be improving R&D productivity, governance, and innovation capacity.