Novo Nordisk

Jerzy Gruhn has been named president of Novo Nordisk, Inc., the company’s U.S. affiliate, and senior vice president of Novo Nordisk North America. Mr. Gruhn will replace Martin Soeters, who has been named senior vice president, European region, overseeing the company’s operations in 35 countries. Mr. Gruhn is currently vice president of the Eastern Europe region. The appointments will take effect on January 1, 2008.

“We are making these changes at a time when Novo Nordisk is doing well in both Europe and North America and are confident that we have the right leadership to secure our future growth in the two regions,” said Kare Schultz, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Gruhn has been with the company for 11 years and has played an important role in gaining the company a leading position in Eastern and Central Europe. In his current position as vice president of the Europe East region, he overcame competitive pressures and adverse market conditions caused by pricing reforms and reimbursement issues to expand the company’s business in the region to 16 countries.

Martin Soeters has more than 27 years’ experience at Novo Nordisk in executive management, sales and marketing. Since taking over responsibility for the company’s operations in the North American region in 2000 he has grown annual sales from $500 million in 2000 to $2.1 billion in 2006. Under his leadership, the company has successfully launched its portfolio of modern insulin, enhancing its position as a diabetes care leader in North America and at the same time built a strong biopharmaceuticals business.