Novo Nordisk’s Ozenc to lead new global team as Oceania helm passes to successor

In a strategic leadership shift that underscores Novo Nordisk’s global ambitions, Cem Ozenc, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Oceania, will depart his role on 1 August 2025 to take up a new leadership position at the company’s Copenhagen headquarters.

Ozenc will step into the role of Corporate Vice President, heading a newly created International Operations team – FAST (Field Activation Support Team) – with a focus on frontline execution, omnichannel engagement, digital innovation, and partnerships.

A 20-year veteran of Novo Nordisk, Ozenc’s tenure in Oceania over the past three years has been marked by transformative milestones. He steered the business through global supply challenges and growing off-label use of Ozempic, culminating in the historic launch of Wegovy (semaglutide) – the largest pharmaceutical product launch in Australia’s history. Under his leadership, the company rose to become the #1 pharma company in Australia and ranked #7 across Novo Nordisk globally, according to internal data.

Yet, amid these achievements, Ozenc has remained vocal about the broader healthcare challenges Australia faces, particularly in addressing obesity as a chronic disease. In a Health Industry Hub podcast, he expressed concern over the disconnect between the government’s National Obesity Strategy and real-world patient outcomes.

“Naturally, our heritage will always be diabetes. But even for me, with twenty years under my belt, my time in Oceania coincided with the greatest expansion in our company’s history. The speed, scale, and scrutiny we have experienced during my time in Oceania presented an incredible professional opportunity to listen and learn and be brave with my choices. I did not do this alone. I am incredibly proud to have worked with people who genuinely want to make a real difference in the lives of people living with serious chronic diseases,” Ozenc explained.

Beyond commercial performance, Ozenc placed strategic emphasis on leadership development, culture, and employee wellbeing across the Oceania affiliate. This focus has delivered consistent results, with Novo Nordisk Oceania securing recognition in Best Place to Work and Great Place to Work rankings, along with accolades for being a top workplace for women.

“There have been many highlights for me since joining the Oceania affiliate. From the start I was impressed by everyone’s willingness and dedication to our shared purpose of driving change, we all want to be more than just a pharmaceutical company. The team sits right behind the notion of good corporate citizenship and making sure our societal impact is meaningful and relevant to the communities in which we operate,” Ozenc added.

“I have loved living in Sydney, finding great coffee (not difficult), mastering the ‘straya lingo (difficult), meeting so many different people across Australia and New Zealand, learning about First Nations People their heritage and stories. I discovered more than I could ever possibly have imagined, and I will always be grateful for the experience,” he reflected.

His successor, Enrico Bruland, will relocate from Thailand to Sydney in early July to begin the transition. Bruland currently serves as General Manager and Vice President of Novo Nordisk Thailand. Since joining the company as a graduate trainee in 2009, he has held leadership roles in Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Canada with the company.

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