Kreesten Meldgaard Madsen joined LEO Pharma in 2016 with broad leadership and drug development experience from a number of R&D organizations. Most recently he held the position as Head of R&D, Asia Pacific Hub. Further, he is an experienced Medical Doctor and has served at public hospitals, as a researcher and in the industry since he graduated in 1996. His scientific merits include a long list of scientific publications with more than 4,000 citations in international publications.

The appointment follows the announcements of organizational changes made in January and March 2023 when LEO Pharma split its R&D function into two new areas represented in the Global Leadership Team, with Jacob Pontoppidan Thyssen appointed Chief Scientific Officer and Kreesten Meldgaard Madsen now as Chief Development Officer. The result is a more project focused organization, where late-stage projects will be brought closer to the GLT and the commercial organization allowing for a faster and more focused process from development to commercialization.

Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma, commented: “I am thrilled that we have been able to select an internal candidate for the role as Chief Development Officer. With his extensive experience in clinical development, I am convinced that Kreesten is the right match for the role. Also, Kreesten is a dedicated leader and has been a strong voice in LEO Pharma during his seven years with the company. I am now looking forward to bringing his perspectives into the discussions in the Global Leadership Team.”

“I am very excited to get the opportunity to lead LEO Pharma’s clinical development, working closely with a capacity like Jacob Pontoppidan Thyssen to cover the full R&D spectrum and ensure tight and smooth collaboration with our medical, regulatory, and commercial organization. We are right now in the middle of a historic transformation of LEO Pharma. Knowing our pipeline, our strategic direction and our priorities in R&D will enable us to bring more treatments forward to people with skin diseases around the world.” said Kreesten Meldgaard Madsen

With the change of roles, interim Chief Development Officer Jörg Möller will leave LEO Pharma per mutual agreement. Christophe Bourdon commented: “I would like to thank Jörg for his contributions during his 2½ years with LEO Pharma. He has been instrumental in taking very important assets in our pipeline through the last development stages, and I wish him all the best of success in his next endeavours.”