Missed Opportunity at Novo Nordisk
After a serious setback at the municipal office, Jakob Riis’s fortune turned around.
In 1996, he was hired at Novo Nordisk, where he managed to climb the ranks within the company.
He was tasked with overseeing the pharmaceutical giant’s business in the crucial American market.
As a result, he was a frontrunner to become Novo Nordisk’s new figurehead when they were searching for a new CEO in 2016.
– I had indications that I was in a good position. It was at least a possibility,” the top executive recalls.
The positive feedback led Jakob Riis to contemplate the future of the company.
– I spent a lot of time considering what I wanted for Novo Nordisk if I were to have the opportunity to lead it.
– It turned out differently.
How was it to be told that it wouldn’t be you?
– It was extremely disappointing. I had formed many ideas, so to be told that it wouldn’t be me, I was disappointed.
Instead, the top job at Novo Nordisk went to Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, who has been the company’s CEO ever since.
Listen to Jakob Riis recount the events that led to him being passed over at Novo Nordisk: