Key Takeaways
- • Henriette Mersebach appointed to the Board of Trustees of the LEO Foundation (announced June 29, 2026), bringing over 20 years of international pharmaceutical and life science leadership experience to the ownership entity of LEO Pharma.
- • Mersebach transitioned from Executive Vice President of Research & Development at ALK, where she led R&D activities for allergy treatments, following her departure from that role earlier in 2026.
- • Her background includes senior leadership roles at Novo Nordisk in rare disease, advanced therapies, and clinical development, combined with medical degree and PhD in Medicine from the University of Copenhagen.
- • The appointment reflects the LEO Foundation's strategic focus on strengthening research, innovation capabilities, and investment activities within its pharmaceutical portfolio, according to Board Chair Lars Olsen.
Summary
The LEO Foundation announced on June 29, 2026, the appointment of Henriette Mersebach to its Board of Trustees, signaling a significant leadership addition to the ownership structure of LEO Pharma. Mersebach brings substantial international credentials across pharmaceutical research, development, and innovation, with more than two decades of experience in the sector.
Most recently, Mersebach served as Executive Vice President of Research & Development at ALK, a position from which she departed earlier in 2026. During her tenure at ALK, she directed the company's R&D operations focused on pediatric allergy treatments, oversaw the development of new therapeutic approaches, and spearheaded strategic partnerships and innovation initiatives. Prior to ALK, she held multiple senior leadership positions at Novo Nordisk, including Corporate Project Vice President for Rare Disease & Advanced Therapies and Executive Director of Clinical Development & Research in the United States.
Her educational credentials include both a medical degree and a PhD in Medicine from the University of Copenhagen, positioning her as a research-trained executive with clinical and scientific depth. According to Lars Olsen, Chair of the LEO Foundation Board, the appointment reflects the Foundation's confidence in Mersebach's ability to support its objectives in ownership, philanthropy, and investment activities. The Foundation emphasized that her experience in establishing research and innovation environments and leading global drug development programs align with its strategic priorities for LEO Pharma's future trajectory.
Most recently, Mersebach served as Executive Vice President of Research & Development at ALK, a position from which she departed earlier in 2026. During her tenure at ALK, she directed the company's R&D operations focused on pediatric allergy treatments, oversaw the development of new therapeutic approaches, and spearheaded strategic partnerships and innovation initiatives. Prior to ALK, she held multiple senior leadership positions at Novo Nordisk, including Corporate Project Vice President for Rare Disease & Advanced Therapies and Executive Director of Clinical Development & Research in the United States.
Her educational credentials include both a medical degree and a PhD in Medicine from the University of Copenhagen, positioning her as a research-trained executive with clinical and scientific depth. According to Lars Olsen, Chair of the LEO Foundation Board, the appointment reflects the Foundation's confidence in Mersebach's ability to support its objectives in ownership, philanthropy, and investment activities. The Foundation emphasized that her experience in establishing research and innovation environments and leading global drug development programs align with its strategic priorities for LEO Pharma's future trajectory.
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