FUJIFILM Biotechnologies Transitions Leadership

FUJIFILM Biotechnologies announced a planned leadership transition. Maja Pedersen has been appointed President, in addition to her role as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. The appointment is part of a planned leadership succession with Lars Petersen transitioning from his role as President and CEO, effective immediately to Strategic Advisor, through September 30, 2026. 

Over the past several years, Petersen has led FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, under the Partners for Life strategy, building the kojoX*1 global manufacturing network, expanding the company’s international footprint and strengthening its position as a global CDMO.

The company aims to further strengthen its focus on operational excellence, quality, and customer delivery leveraging its established global kojoX manufacturing platform.

Pedersen was appointed to Chief Operating Officer in 2025, and in that role, she is responsible for site operations, supply chain, quality, process development and global manufacturing science and technology (MSAT). Pedersen returned to FUJIFILM Biotechnologies in 2023 to serve as Chief Quality Officer. Prior to that, she was Global Head of External Manufacturing at Biogen, overseeing the entire CDMO network. She has over 20 years of leadership experience in life sciences and biopharma, holding senior leadership positions in quality assurance and control, regulatory affairs and external manufacturing. 

Toshihisa Iida, Chairman of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies said: “We are grateful to Lars’ contributions to the organization and his vision, which will come to life under Maja’s leadership. Maja has already played a pivotal role in building the operational strength of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies. Her deep operational expertise, strong quality leadership and commitment to our people and customers make her exceptionally well positioned to lead the company’s next phase while continuing the strategy that has been successfully established.”  

Maja Pedersen said: “Our strategy remains unchanged. Partners for Life continues to guide everything we do. My focus will be on building upon the strong foundation already in place, delivering consistently for our customers, strengthening quality and operational excellence and continuing to grow our business together with our exceptional people.” 

Iida will continue in his role as Chairman of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, providing strategic oversight and ensuring alignment with Fujifilm’s global strategic direction to drive the business forward.