Sanofi Appoints Belén Garijo as CEO Effective April 29, Shares Drop 4.5%
On Feb. 12, Sanofi shares fell 4.5% after the board announced that CEO Paul Hudson’s mandate would not be renewed and appointed Belén Garijo as successor effective April 29 with Olivier Charmeil as interim. Over the past six months Sanofi stock declined 4.1% while the industry rose 28.4%.
1. Leadership Change Details
On February 12 the board of Sanofi announced that Paul Hudson’s mandate as CEO would not be renewed, appointing Olivier Charmeil as interim leader from February 17 until Belén Garijo takes over on April 29, 2026.
2. Stock Performance
Shares dropped 4.5% on the day of the announcement, contributing to a 4.1% decline over the past six months compared with a 28.4% gain in the broader industry.
3. Executive Profiles
Paul Hudson will depart on February 17 after three years at the helm. Belén Garijo, a Spanish national, has served as CEO of Merck KGaA since 2021 and held prior roles at Abbott and on Sanofi’s executive committee; Olivier Charmeil currently heads General Medicines.
4. Strategic Implications
The abrupt leadership reset highlights board concerns over underwhelming R&D productivity, recent pipeline setbacks and slower M&A activity, placing pressure on the new CEO to drive innovation, governance and growth beyond core assets like Dupixent.