Novozymes Names New CEO
22 January 2013 
Novozymes appointed Peder Holk Nielsen as President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2013. Steen Riisgaard steps down after 12 years at the company’s top post and 33 years in Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk.
Novozymes chairman Henrik Gürtler said, “Peder Holk Nielsen’s ability to couple market insight and research capabilities is key to delivering innovation and to continuing our growth strategy. He was a clear first choice in our international search process. I thank Steen Riisgaard for his 12 years of successful leadership in building the company, and I am sure that Peder Holk Nielsen will ensure the continued expansion of our position as world leader in bioinnovation.”
Nielsen, 56, played a crucial role in the development of Novozymes in its current form. He is currently serving as Executive Vice President and head of Enzyme Business, a position he has held since 2007. His career spans management positions in Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk across business development, research and development, quality management and sales and marketing.
Nielsen holds a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Technical University of Denmark and a B.Com. in International Business Management from Copenhagen Business School. Peder Holk Nielsen is also member of the Board of Directors of Hempel A/S and of LEO Pharma A/S.
CEO-elect Nielsen says, “With our sustainable solutions and close customer relationships, we have a very strong position for expanding our business, and I am convinced we will deliver on our long-term growth targets in the coming years. I am happy that all EVPs in the current executive management will continue in the new leadership team”.
Since 2000, the company has delivered average annual growth rates of seven to eight percent and increased returns of invested capital from 10% to 20%. Novozymes today holds 47% of the global market for industrial enzymes and spearheads the increasing use of microorganisms and industrial biotechnology products across a range of industries.
For more information about Novozymes, click here.
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