News Article

Novo Nordisk appointed Maziar Mike Doustdar as its new CEO and president on August 7, 2025, signalling a strategic shift to address challenges in the U.S. weight-loss drug market and competition from Eli Lilly.

Doustdar, the first non-Danish leader in the company’s history, emphasised refocusing on the firm’s core strengths in obesity and diabetes while trimming its pipeline to prioritize speed and execution. His key priorities include stabilizing the U.S. market, improving channel coverage efficiency, and accelerating R&D and acquisitions to regain leadership in the GLP-1 market.

The new CEO aims to counter Eli Lilly’s advances by enhancing commercial strategies, particularly in the U.S., where Novo Nordisk has struggled with supply disruptions, slower marketing adaptations, and losing ground to Lilly’s products like Zepbound and Mounjaro. Doustdar’s approach centers on leveraging Novo’s manufacturing capabilities and global distribution network to boost market access and innovation. Analysts note that his leadership could help streamline operations, though skepticism remains about short-term recovery given the market’s “dire sentiment” and a 50% share price decline since June 2024.

However, the company’s shares remain under pressure, trading at a 50% year-over-year discount, with brokers maintaining a “buy” rating despite execution risks. Doustdar’s appointment reflects the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s desire to adapt to a market now dominated by consumer-focused dynamics and oral drug competition.

Mike Doustdar