Novozymes names new President & CEO

Henrik Gürtler, Chairman of the Board at Novozymes, announced that Peder Holk Nielsen will succeed Steen Riisgaard as President and Chief Executive Officer with effect from April 1, 2013. “Peder Holk Nielsen’s ability to couple market insight and research capabilities is key to deliver innovation and to continue our growth strategy. He was a clear first choice in our international search process.”

Peder Holk Nielsen, 56, has played a central 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. Prior to this, Peder Holk Nielsen’s career spans management positions in Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk across business development, R&D, quality management and sales & marketing.

Peder Holk 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.

Since 2000, the company has delivered average annual growth rates of 7-8% 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.