Mike Doustdar

Maziar Mike Doustdar (born 29 August 1970) is an Austrian–Iranian business executive who has served as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Novo Nordisk since 7 August 2025. He is the first non-Danish person to lead the company since its founding in 1923.

Early life and education Doustdar was born in Iran on 29 August 1970 and later grew up in the United States. He studied international business at Webster University in Vienna, Austria, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1994. In 2012, he completed an executive programme at Harvard Business School.

Career

Early career at Novo Nordisk Doustdar joined Novo Nordisk in 1992 as an office clerk in Vienna.

International operations In 2014, Doustdar was appointed executive vice president for International Operations, responsible for emerging markets outside Europe and North America.

As CEO, Doustdar initiated measures to improve efficiency, including a hiring freeze in non-critical areas and a sharper focus on the company's core therapeutic areas of diabetes and obesity.

Doustdar was included on the 2026 Time 100 list of most influential people in health for his work at Novo Nordisk.

Personal life Doustdar is married and has two sons.