Being able to address complicated patient needs and keep up with the rapid breakthroughs in science and technology are driving the constant search for innovation in the healthcare industry. Some leaders stand out not only for their adaptability but also for their vision to bring about significant change in a sector where innovation is essential to staying ahead. They bring passion, purpose, and commitment to improving lives. One such leader is LEO Pharma’s CEO, Christophe Bourdon.
For over 116 years, LEO Pharma has directed its work toward patient care improvement through more than just producing products. Bourdon’s leadership directs LEO Pharma to strengthen its dermatology sector position and welcome innovative solutions that serve millions of global patients. He leads operations with a dual focus on enhancing operational effectiveness alongside worldwide business expansion while delivering the highest standard of patient care.
Let’s explore how Christophe Bourdon is transforming LEO Pharma and shaping the future of patient-centric healthcare innovation!
A Journey Driven by Innovation and Passion
Before taking the reins as CEO of LEO Pharma, Christophe Bourdon served as the CEO of Orphazyme A/S. He also held senior leadership positions at Amgen Inc., where he led the U.S. Oncology Business and was instrumental in the commercialization of a diverse range of medicines targeting high unmet needs in oncology and hematology.
“My professional journey has been driven by a curiosity for breakthrough innovation and passion to bring this innovation to patients,” he explains. Additionally, he worked at Alexion, where he oversaw the launch of two ultra-orphan drugs, providing critical treatments to patients with rare, severe conditions.
For Christophe Bourdon, he saw a tremendous opportunity to shape the future of LEO Pharma, and bring meaningful advancements to patients suffering from skin conditions.
“What initially inspired me to take on the role of CEO at LEO Pharma was the company’s strong heritage and unique profile in medical dermatology,” he says.
He recognized a meaningful opportunity to shape the company’s future and deliver impactful advancements for patients with skin conditions. This ambition to improve patient care, paired with the chance to lead a company with a proud legacy, made LEO Pharma an ideal match for him.
Leading a Transformational Shift
When Christophe Bourdon stepped into the CEO role in 2022, he knew that a transformative shift was necessary to position LEO Pharma for future success. His leadership has centered on transforming the company’s operations and accelerating revenue growth, particularly from the dermatology portfolio.
Three years into his tenure, Christophe Bourdon and his team have delivered substantial revenue growth, streamlined operations, and improved profitability—important steps in laying the foundation for a potential IPO.
His approach has been to focus on driving innovation, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring that LEO Pharma continues to develop a robust pipeline of new therapies. This has been achieved by investing in research and development, while also establishing key partnerships with industry leaders and research institutions. These collaborations, he says, have “accelerated our growth potential and enhanced our ability to bring innovative treatments to market.” By making these strategic moves, Christophe Bourdon has positioned the company for long-term success and sustained growth.
Authentic Leadership and Cultural Transformation
For Christophe Bourdon, leadership is about much more than strategy and business operations—it’s about creating an environment where employees feel inspired, engaged, and aligned with the company’s vision. “I see my role as CEO as ensuring that our 4,000 colleagues, when they show up every morning, feel inspired, confident, and energized,” he explains. His leadership style is rooted in authenticity, a trait he considers crucial to creating a strong and unified organizational culture. “What you get with me as a CEO is the same Christophe I am at home. My leadership is rooted in authenticity—I am who I am,” he says.
This emphasis on authenticity and transparency is integral to how Christophe Bourdon creates a sense of unity and purpose within LEO Pharma. He believes that when employees feel genuinely connected to the company’s mission and values, they are more likely to work together toward common goals. “When all of this is in place, our strong culture fosters unity,” he reflects. By nurturing a supportive and open culture, he has helped shape the company where employees are inspired to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Driving Innovation and Fostering Collaboration
For him, his leadership approach prioritizes investment in new projects and partnerships that push the company to the forefront of medical advancements.
“I personally drive innovation within LEO Pharma by fostering a culture that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” he says.
One of the most notable examples of innovation during Bourdon’s tenure is the company’s strategic partnership with Gilead Sciences. This collaboration, aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of treatments for inflammatory diseases, reflects his commitment to ensuring LEO Pharma remains a leader in dermatology. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to bringing innovative therapies to patients faster,” he explains. By aligning with Gilead Sciences, LEO Pharma is positioning itself for future success in the global healthcare landscape.
A Patient-Centric Approach to Healthcare
At the core of the company’s mission is a steadfast commitment to patient-centricity. “It is at the heart of everything we do at LEO Pharma, and the DNA of the company is to keep being there for the 100 million patients we serve annually,” he says. This commitment means that every decision, from research and development to the commercialization of new treatments, is made with the patient in mind. For him, being patient-centric means focusing on addressing the most pressing medical needs and ensuring that the company’s treatments have a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
By prioritizing patient needs and cultivating a culture of care and empathy, he has kept patient-centricity at the center of operations. The company’s ongoing focus on meeting the needs of patients worldwide is a driving force behind its innovation efforts. He is adamant that the ultimate goal is not just to develop treatments but to ensure that those treatments genuinely improve the lives of those who need them the most.
Preparing for the Future
As a leader in European healthcare, Christophe Bourdon is acutely aware of the challenges the industry faces. One of the most pressing concerns, according to him, is Europe’s position in the global life sciences sector. “While Europe has historically been a pharmaceutical heavyweight, we are now facing stagnation in our research pipeline and increasing competition from the US and the rapidly growing Chinese pharmaceutical industry,” he says.
In response to these challenges, the organization is doubling down on its commitment to innovation, both through internal research and by forming strategic partnerships with other industry leaders as well as universities. “LEO Pharma is committed to driving innovation and contributing to a stronger European life science strategy,” he explains. The company is focused on ensuring that Europe remains a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and that LEO Pharma remains a key player on the global stage.
Sustainability as a Core Value
Christophe Bourdon is proud of LEO Pharma’s commitment to becoming a net-zero company by 2050, with an ambitious target to reduce emissions by more than 50% by 2030. “Sustainability is extremely important to me as a leader,” he says, emphasizing that the company has already made significant strides, such as transitioning to 100% renewable electricity across all manufacturing sites in 2024.
For him, sustainability is not only about reducing the company’s carbon footprint but also about making a broader societal impact. “An important part of working with sustainability in a pharmaceutical company is about the patients. By developing innovative and accessible treatments, we not only aim to improve lives but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for society,” he reflects. His commitment to sustainability aligns with his broader vision of building a future where healthcare can be both effective and responsible.
Nurturing Talent and Building Effective Teams
Bourdon’s leadership philosophy centers around three key principles: Dream big, create followership, and focus. “Building effective teams starts with nurturing trust, encouraging open communication, and aligning everyone around a shared purpose,” he explains. For him, it is essential to create a sense of followership, where employees are not just working for a leader but are inspired to work toward a common vision, especially when navigating change.
“By clearly communicating goals, listening to diverse perspectives, and recognizing contributions, I aim to build teams that are motivated, resilient, and united,” he says. This focus on followership has helped him cultivate a collaborative and empowered work environment that enables LEO Pharma to succeed.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As someone who has led LEO Pharma through significant change and growth, Bourdon’s advice to the next generation of healthcare leaders is both practical and inspiring. His key piece of advice is to focus on creating followership, particularly in times of transformation. “True leadership is not about authority; it’s about inspiring and engaging people to believe in a shared vision and work together to achieve it,” he says.
He emphasizes that leaders must communicate clearly, listen actively, and build trust to create an environment where employees are motivated to contribute their best. “Followership is what turns a vision into reality—it’s the foundation for driving meaningful change and making a lasting impact in healthcare,” he explains.
Christophe Bourdon believes that healthcare leadership is a noble and rewarding journey, one that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients. “Leaders in Healthcare Industry can immediately see the benefits and impacts of their decision, by making a fundamental difference to people affected by disease,” he concludes. For Christophe Bourdon, the journey is well worth the effort—both for the positive impact it has on individuals and for the broader societal good.
