Novo CEO’s Shock Exit: Who Will Take Over Obesity Drug Giant?

Novo Nordisk A/S’s surprise decision to replace Chief Executive Officer Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen has triggered a race to fill a role that is almost never available: the winner will be only its fourth leader since 1981.

The Danish pharma giant hasn’t immediately lined up an internal candidate and said it has started a search. After some prominent recent departures, it may look externally. But given Novo’s tendency to favor home-grown talent, an option could be one of several high-profile executives who are not currently at the company but have strong ties to the anti-obesity drugmaker.