30 March 2017
The LEO Foundation, a commercial foundation and the sole owner of the global healthcare company LEO Pharma, announces changes to its Board of Trustees.
Ballerup, Denmark (30 March, 2017) – Eivind Kolding and Peter Schwarz have joined the Board of Trustees of the LEO Foundation, replacing Per Håkon Schmidt and Gorm Thamsborg who served 16 and 17 years on the Board respectively.
“I am very happy to welcome Eivind Kolding and Peter Schwarz to the LEO Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The new members bring a wealth of expertise and experience and will contribute with fresh perspectives on the LEO Foundation. I also want to thank Per Håkon Schmidt and Gorm Thamsborg for their dedication to the LEO Foundation over many years,” said Lars Olsen, Chairman of the LEO Foundation.
Eivind Kolding is a lawyer by training and has extensive experience within board management and international commerce. Kolding currently holds several directorships, including Chairman of Danish Ship Finance. Former positions include Board Member of Novo Nordisk, CEO of Novo A/S, CEO of Maersk Line, CEO of Danske Bank Group and Chairman of Danske Bank.
Peter Schwarz is Professor in Endocrinology and Director of the Research Center of Osteoporosis and Ageing at Rigshospitalet and Copenhagen University. Schwarz is a medical specialist in biochemistry, internal medicine and medical endocrinology with an extensive career in medical and clinical science. Schwarz sits on various scientific boards and is an experienced reviewer for several scientific journals.
The LEO Foundation recently announced a new structure and governance model in order to play a more active role as the sole owner of LEO Pharma, strengthening both the foundation and the company. From 1 April 2017, Jesper Mailind assumes the position as CEO for the LEO Foundation, which will establish its own independent organisation responsible for being an active owner of LEO Pharma, managing financial surplus from the company and providing grants. The move is the latest step in the journey initiated by the LEO Foundation in 2009 with the aim of securing LEO Pharma’s independence and long term development.