Novo Nordisk head named best boss in the world

Lars Rebien Sørensen the best-performing CEO, according to Harvard Business Review

Lars Rebien Sørensen, the head of the Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, has been named the best CEO in the world, according to the Harvard Business Review (HBR), which ranked the world’s top 100 best-performing CEOs.

One of the reasons for Sørensen’s high standing is Novo Nordisk’s decision to offer insulin at a considerable discount in developing nations, as is its soft and transparent lobbying actions and animal testing policy.

“This is a huge pat on the back for all employees at Novo Nordisk,” said Sørensen. “This acknowledgement is testament to the fact that I am CEO of a company with dedicated employees striving to defeat diabetes and other serious chronic conditions.”

“I am especially pleased to see that success today is not just measured by financial performance, but also on how you can achieve your goals in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible and sustainable way.”

READ MORE: Novo Nordisk insulin finally approved in the US

Social responsibility
From a strictly financial perspective, Sørensen is ranked 6th, but parameters such as social responsibility and environmental aspects have propelled the Dane to the top of the rankings.

Aside from Sørensen, HBR’s list included two other Danes. Lars Rasmussen, the head of medical device company Coloplast, was ranked 17th, while Kasper Rørsted, the head of the German consumer and industrial company Henkel, was ranked 18th.

See HBR’s list of the top 100 best-performing CEOs in the world here.

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs