23 June 2021, press release
The LEO Foundation appoints Peter Haahr, CFO of Novo Holdings A/S, as new CEO. He replaces Jesper Mailind who has been the Foundation’s CEO since 2017.
The LEO Foundation which is the majority shareholder in LEO Pharma A/S has appointed a new CEO following Jesper Mailind’s decision to resign from his position to scale down his work life. His successor has been found. Peter Haahr, who currently holds the position as CFO of Novo Holdings A/S, assumes the position as CEO of the Foundation on 1 September 2021. Jesper Mailind will remain member of LEO Pharma’s Board of Directors.
“It has been a great pleasure for me to lead the LEO Foundation and its extensive development over the past years. In the process, we have modernized the Foundation and strengthened the ownership of LEO Pharma to provide the company with the best possible platform for future development and success. Furthermore, I just turned 65 and now is the right time for me to pass on the reins and scale down my work life,” says Jesper Mailind.
Chairman of the LEO Foundation’s Board of Trustees Lars Olsen respects Jesper Mailind’s decision. On behalf of the Board, he expresses gratitude for the remarkable results Jesper Mailind has achieved.
“The LEO Foundation has undergone a significant transformation with Jesper Mailind at the helm. I would like to thank Jesper for his fantastic work in developing the Foundation. His experience and competencies have been vital in strengthening the engaged ownership of LEO Pharma and in ensuring a solid platform for providing philanthropic grants to research for the benefit of society. It is only natural that Jesper has found the time right to step down. We are pleased that Jesper has accepted to continue as non-executive director in LEO Pharma. This will ensure continuity and enable us to draw on Jesper’s vast LEO experience and knowledge going forward,” says Lars Olsen.
The LEO Foundation’s new CEO, Peter Haahr, was appointed as CFO of Novo Holdings in 2016. Prior to that he held various leading positions in Novo Nordisk A/S in Denmark and abroad for 16 years, focusing on i.a. strategy, business development, financial planning, investor relations and operational leadership. He started his career as an equity analyst, holds an MSc in Finance and Accounting from Aarhus School of Business and an Executive MBA from IMD.
“I am delighted that Peter Haahr has accepted the position as new CEO of the LEO Foundation and that he will take on the important task of leading the Foundation’s activities and development going forward. Peter is very competent and has a strong set of values. He brings a broad and extensive track record that includes operations of pharmaceutical companies, asset management and strategy development as well as in-depth knowledge of the Danish foundation ownership model. This combination will contribute to the continued development of the Foundation’s ownership of LEO Pharma – which according to our charter is the LEO Foundation’s primary purpose and objective – and at the same time strengthen our investments and philanthropic activities,” says Lars Olsen.
Peter Haahr states:
“Today, the LEO Foundation is one of Denmark’s largest commercial foundations and the owner of Denmark’s oldest pharmaceutical company. It is with great enthusiasm, humility and pride that I take over the reins. I am truly excited to join the Foundation and take part in strengthening the engaged ownership of LEO Pharma and support the company’s journey towards global leadership in medical dermatology – which at the same time enables the LEO Foundation to increase its contribution to society.“
About the LEO Foundation
The LEO Foundation is one of Denmark’s largest commercial foundations and an engaged owner of the pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma. The Foundation’s main objective is to ensure the company’s long-term development and success as a global leader in dermatology, delivering outstanding results. Besides the ownership, the Foundation provides philanthropic grants with the aim to support the best international research in skin diseases and make Denmark a global beacon for skin research.
The Foundation manages financial assets of around DKK 16bn.These assets are invested with the main objectives of ensuring the continued capability to support LEO Pharma’s long-term development and provide funds for philanthropic activities.
About LEO Pharma
The company is a leader in medical dermatology with a robust R&D pipeline, a wide range of therapies and a pioneering spirit. Founded in 1908, LEO Pharma has devoted decades of research and development to advance the science of dermatology, setting new standards of care for people with skin conditions. LEO Pharma is headquartered in Denmark with a global team of 6,000 people, serving 93 million patients in 130 countries.
For more information, please visit www.LEO-Pharma.com
Media:
Press contact:
LEO Foundation
Signe Krabek, Head of Communication and Public Affairs
Tel: +45 20 49 68 69
Email: signe.krabek@leo-foundation.org