Who are we?
We are an independent Danish foundation with corporate interests. We have the following objectives: to provide a stable basis for the commercial and research activities of the companies in the Novo Group (Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S), and to support scientific, humanitarian and social causes.
Ownership
We are an enterprise foundation with a controlling interest in the Novo Group’s two large publicly listed companies, Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S. Our fully owned subsidiary, Novo Holdings A/S, manages the ownership of these two companies and the Foundation’s other assets.Governance
As an enterprise foundation, we must comply with the objects described in our Articles of Association. In addition, we are governed by the Danish Foundation Act, meaning that the Danish Business Authority supervises our activities.Goals and values
Through our philanthropic and enterprise activities, we want to contribute to advancing the health of people and the sustainability of society.Our history
Our history dates back to 1922, when Nobel laureate August Krogh returned home from the United States and Canada with permission to produce insulin in the Nordic countries.This marked the beginning of the development of world-class diabetes medicine and a subsequent Danish business and export venture. It also led to the establishment of several foundations that, many years later, merged into today’s Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Executive Management
Led by the Foundation’s CEO, our Executive Management is responsible for ensuring that the decisions of the Board of Directors are implemented and for monitoring and following up on the Foundation’s activities.Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Foundation has nine members, of which six are elected annually under the Articles of Association, and three are employee board members elected every four years.Employees
Do you need to get hold of one of our colleagues in the Foundation? Click here to see our contact list.