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Prominent leaders from Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings honored with the Business Award of the Year 2025
A professional jury has awarded the Business Award of the Year 2025 to prominent leaders at the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings. The business profiles received the award at a ceremony on October 9, 2025.
Prominent leaders from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings are honored with the Business Award of the Year 2025, represented by Lars Rebien Sørensen, Chairman of the Board of Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings, Kasim Kutay, CEO of Novo Holdings, and Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Together, they form a strong trio that has made a significant difference for the business sector, society and for Denmark. They have been instrumental in executing a series of significant transactions and making impactful societal contributions in recent years.
The jury highlights:
“This includes the acquisition of the American pharmaceutical manufacturer, Catalent, their support of the merger between the two C25 companies Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, thereby establishing Novonesis, which is a leader in biosolutions, as well as Novo Nordisk Foundation's record-high support for Danish research and society.“
Making a Difference and Leading the Way
Lars Rebien Sørensen, Kasim Kutay, and Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen each hold pivotal positions in Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Holdings, serving as majority owners of both Novo Nordisk and Novonesis, and making significant contributions in their respective fields.
The jury emphasizes:
“They have substantially influenced Danish business and its growth, including economic outcomes. In essence, they have made a distinctly positive impact on the Danish business sector, society, and Denmark as a whole.”
Focus on Collaboration: A Strong Biotech Environment Has Been Created
The three business leaders have been honored with the award for their visionary and strategic thinking in fields such as life sciences, biosolutions, and energy. They have all played a significant role in fostering a robust biotech environment in Denmark, which is now among the most dynamic globally. Their efforts have also ensured that university research flourishes within the business sector.
About the award
PwC awards the recipient of the ‘Business Award of the Year’ based on the assessment by a professional and impartial jury. The award can go to an individual, an executive team, or a board of directors who:
Make a difference: Have made a clear positive impact on Danish business and society.
Lead the way: Take the lead in key areas such as diversity, sustainability, and digitalization.
Are role models: Demonstrate decisiveness, courage, and serve as role models.
Are strong communicators: Stand out in the public debate on relevant business topics throughout the year and communicate effectively.
Deliver results: Achieve visible results for their company/companies - whether in leadership or value creation.
Are diplomatic: Are able to unite people around a purpose or task and successfully reach goals through collaboration, stakeholder management, and diplomatic skills.
Members of the jury
- Anne Broeng, Chairman of the Board of Velliv and professional board member
- Henrik Poulsen, Chairman of the Board of Carlsberg Group and other companies
- Jeppe Christiansen, CEO of Maj Invest and board member
- Jørgen Jensen, Chairman of the board of 3shape, Ambu, and Velux
- Kim Fausing, President & CEO of Danfoss
- Marianne Wiinholt, Group CFO of WSAudiology and board member of Coloplast and Norsk Hydro
- Pernille Erenbjerg, professional board member
- Søren Skou, professional Chairman of the Board
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