Peder Holk Nielsen to become president and CEO of Novozymes

With effect from 1 April

Danish enzymes manufacturer Novozymes has appointed Peder Holk Nielsen as president and chief executive officer. He takes up the role on 1 April, succeeding Steen Riisgaard, who steps down after 12 years in the role.

Holk Nielsen is currently Novozymes’ executive vice president and head of the Enzyme Business, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to this, his career spans management positions in Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk across business development, R&D, quality management and sales and marketing.

Steen Riisgaard steps down after 12 years at the company’s top post and 33 years at Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk.

Since 2000, Novozymes has delivered average annual growth rates of 7–8% and increased returns of invested capital from 10–20%. The company now holds 47% of the global market for industrial enzymes and spearheads the increasing use of micro-organisms and industrial biotechnology products across a range of industries.

The new executive leadership team at 1 April, will comprise:

  • President and CEO: Peder Holk Nielsen
  • Business Development: EVP Thomas Videbæk
  • Business Operations: EVP Andrew Fordyce
  • Supply Operations: EVP Thomas Nagy
  • Research & Development: EVP and CSO Per Falholt
  • Corporate Functions: EVP and CFO Benny Loft

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