Novozymes, Inc. Selects New President, CEO

The board of directors of Novozymes has appointed Peder Holk Nielsen as president and chief executive officer effective in April. Novozymes which calls Franklinton the site of its North American headquarters, stated Nielsen was replacing Steen Riisgaard who is stepping down after 12 years as a CEO and 33 years at Novozymes and Novo Industri/Novo Nordisk. Riisgaard had reached his retirement age previously set by the company. "Peder Holk Nielsen’s ability to couple market insight and research capabilities is key to deliver innovation and to continue our growth strategy. He was a clear first choice in our international search process," says Henrik Gürtler, chairman of the board at Novozymes. Just three months ago, Novozymes announced a partnership with another Triangle area biotechnology company - Syngenta - to collaborate on a biofungicide.

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