On February 12, 2026, Sanofi’s board confirmed that Belen Garijo will assume the chief executive role on April 1, 2026, succeeding Paul Hudson after his four-year tenure. The transition marks Garijo’s move from leading Germany’s Merck KGaA to heading one of Europe’s largest pharmaceutical groups.

Paul Hudson joined Sanofi in 2021 and executed a major strategic overhaul, divesting noncore assets and refocusing R&D on immunology and oncology. Despite cost cuts and portfolio realignment, Sanofi’s share price trailed peers due to late-stage pipeline delays and key patent expirations.

Belen Garijo has led Merck KGaA since 2016, growing its life-science and healthcare divisions and forging major oncology and immunology partnerships. She becomes the first woman to helm Sanofi, bringing extensive experience in global pharma operations and digital transformation initiatives.