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Lessons From Novo Nordisk’s Mads Øvlisen, The Father Of CSR

01 Dec 2022

When Mads Øvlisen was persuaded by his father-in-law to join the family business, Novo Industri, in 1974 for a short stint in the legal department, little did he know it would the beginning of a lifetime of service to the company that he helped to shape into the diabetes powerhouse it is today.

Mads Ovlisen — Mads Øvlisen in 2019 • Source: Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk A/S has appointed five CEOs in almost 100 years. It is testament to the culture in the previously family-run company that leaders have the freedom to bring their unique form of guidance and management to the Danish diabetes specialist.

The firm is understandably proud if its culture. The values passed down from its founders of honesty, ambition, accountability, and...