Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, was named European manager of the year 2024 by the European Business Media (EBM) during its annual meeting on 19 September 2024 in Sweden. The award, presented by EBM president Xavier Bouckaert at the Bonnier family’s mansion, Nedre Manilla, in Stockholm, honours Jørgensen for his leadership at Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical giant that has experienced exceptional growth in recent years.

The EBM, which succeeded the European Business Press, has awarded the European manager of the year title annually since 1962 to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance within the business sector. The organisation represents 32 leading business publications from 24 European countries, including The Wall Street Journal (Europe), Handelsblatt in Germany, Les Echos in France, Børsen in Denmark and Maison Moderne, the company that publishes Paperjam, in Luxembourg.

Jørgensen’s long tenure at Novo Nordisk, which began in 1991 as an economist, has seen him take on several international roles, with postings in the Netherlands, the US and Japan. Over time, he advanced to senior leadership positions, becoming senior vice president for IT and corporate development in 2004. By 2013, Jørgensen had been promoted to executive vice president and chief information officer, later assuming responsibilities for corporate people and organisation, and business assurance in 2014. He was appointed president and CEO in January 2017.

During Jørgensen’s tenure, Novo Nordisk has continued to strengthen its market position, becoming Europe’s most valuable company by market capitalisation in 2023, surpassing the GDP of Denmark’s domestic economy. The company’s core product, semaglutide, marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes treatment and Wegovy for obesity management, has been a significant driver of its recent growth.

In recognising Jørgensen, Bouckaert cited the remarkable growth of Novo Nordisk under his leadership, noting that the company serves as an inspiring example for others. Bouckaert remarked that the award aims to “recognise and pay tribute to an extraordinary effort in the European business community” while also encouraging the global competitiveness of European firms, a mission EBM seeks to further.

Though Jørgensen was unable to attend the ceremony in person, Ambre James-Brown, vice president of global media and stakeholder communication at Novo Nordisk, accepted the award on his behalf. In a video message shown during the event, Jørgensen expressed his gratitude and discussed the challenges and responsibilities of communicating in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. He emphasised Novo Nordisk’s commitment to an inclusive and responsible approach, stating, “In a world of wars and geopolitical tensions, we are a pharmaceutical company and stand on the patient’s side. Our compass is always what is best for the patient.”