By VETTAPHARMA reporter – Veera Rodrigues: A defining leadership moment is unfolding at Sanofi as Belén Garijo steps in to lead the global biopharma giant, signaling the beginning of a high-expectation, high-momentum chapter. Effective May 1, 2026, Garijo assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer following strong shareholder backing at the company’s Annual General Meeting held on April 29, 2026.
The transition comes at a time when Sanofi is sharpening its strategic focus, with shareholders also approving the company’s 2025 financial accounts and a dividend of €4.12 per share, payable on May 7, 2026—underscoring stability as the company accelerates into its next phase of growth.
Board evolution further reinforces this shift, with renewed mandates for key members and the addition of new independent leadership, shaping a 16-member board characterized by 79% independence, 57% women representation, and 50% international diversity. The restructuring extends into committee leadership, where tighter alignment between governance and strategy is being established to support faster, more decisive execution.
Garijo, a physician-scientist and seasoned industry leader with prior experience at Merck KGaA, is widely recognized for driving transformation, unlocking innovation value, and building high-performance organizations. Her appointment marks a decisive step toward elevating Sanofi’s position in a rapidly evolving global pharmaceutical landscape.
