Belén Garijo, who has recently stepped down as CEO of Merck, will take the reins at Sanofi, a significant shift in leadership for the French pharmaceutical company. The announcement leaves many questions unanswered regarding the circumstances of Paul Hudson's departure, who will not even remain in his role until the annual general meeting. Sanofi's official statement expressed gratitude for Hudson's contributions over his six-year tenure, but the abruptness of the change suggests underlying tensions within the company.

The decision to replace Hudson comes despite Sanofi's recent disclosures of improved profitability, which raised expectations for the company's financial outlook through 2025. The contrast between the company's performance and the timing of Hudson's departure has sparked speculation about internal disagreements or strategic shifts. Olivier Charmeil, a long-serving board member since 2011, will temporarily lead the company until Garijo's transition.

Garijo's appointment is particularly notable as she brings extensive experience from her tenure at Merck, focusing on innovative pharmaceutical developments including vaccines and immunotherapies. Her leadership could signal a renewed emphasis on these areas at Sanofi, aligning with broader industry trends towards enhancing public health initiatives. The upcoming period will be critical for Sanofi as it navigates this leadership transition and the potential strategic realignment under Garijo's guidance.