Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen was today appointed as the new Chair of Healthcare Denmark. The appointment takes place just ahead of the Copenhagen Life Science Summit (8-9 October, 2025), hosted under the auspices of Denmark’s presidency of the Council of European Union, as a response to EU life science strategy to position the European Union (EU) as a global leader in life sciences by 2030
The appointment underlines Denmark’s active role in supporting the government’s priority to profile Denmark as a leading life science nation – in Europe and broader internationally – and to contribute to Europe’s new, common life science strategy.
Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark, Morten Bødskov, says:
“The European competitiveness is challenged. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial that EU move forward in the queue and bring our strengths in life sciences into play. With Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen at the forefront, Healthcare Denmark will have a strong and internationally recognized leader who can drive the effort forward. Thanks to his deep experience, he is well-positioned to ensure Danish healthcare solutions are exported internationally. This will strengthen both Danish and European competitiveness.”
New Chair, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen:
“I am honored to take on the role of Chair of Healthcare Denmark – and thereby represent the entire Danish life science sector. Danish life science is a global showcase, demonstrating how strong partnerships between research, healthcare, and industry can deliver innovation that benefits patients and societies worldwide. At the same time, life science is one of Europe’s true competitive advantages – a field where we have the potential to lead globally. Life science is not only about innovation, but also about growth, jobs, and exports, while ensuring resilient healthcare systems. The complex challenges ahead require bold public-private partnerships, and Healthcare Denmark must be the platform that unites these efforts. That is a responsibility I look forward to taking on”.
Background
Denmark launched its third national life science strategy in 2024 with the clear ambition of maintaining and expanding Denmark’s position as one of Europe’s leading life science nations. In August 2025, under the Danish EU Presidency, the European Commission launched Europe’s first common life science strategy, designed to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and develop joint solutions to global health challenges.
Thanks to outgoing Chair
Healthcare Denmark extends its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Chair, business executive Jørgen Falkebo Jensen, who has successfully positioned Healthcare Denmark internationally. Under his leadership, Healthcare Denmark has placed Danish life science firmly on the global map, and the organization now enjoys the broadest and most diverse partner base in its history.
Practical information
Interviews with the new Chair, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, will be available by appointment. Interviews will take place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, following the conclusion of the Copenhagen Life Science Summit at Maersk Tower, University of Copenhagen.
For interview requests, please contact Lise Hein at lise@hhein.dk or +45 2065 9064.
For press participation at the conference, please contact Grith Enemark, Head of Strategic Communications, at gen@hcd.dk or +45 3114 6506.
Facts about Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen (b. 1966) is a Danish business executive with a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from Aarhus University. He has worked at Novo Nordisk since 1991 and served as CEO from 2017 to 2025. Besides serving as Chair of Healthcare Denmark, he also holds a board seat at Danmarks Nationalbank (the central bank of Denmark).
About Healthcare Denmark
Healthcare Denmark is a public–private organization serving as Denmark’s official export and branding consortium for healthcare solutions.
Healthcare Denmark works to:
- Profile and brand the Danish healthcare system and Danish life sciences internationally as among the world’s most efficient, digital, and patient-centered.
- Promote exports of Danish healthcare solutions, technology, medical equipment, digital health solutions, and welfare technology.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and partnerships between Danish companies, hospitals, authorities, and international decision-makers.
Healthcare Denmark is established as a partnership between:
- The Danish government (including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Business),
- Regions and municipalities,
- Private companies within life science and health technology.
About Copenhagen Life Science Summit
The Copenhagen Life Science Summit brings together researchers, business executives, and policymakers from the life science sector to discuss and promote innovation in health sciences. For futher information please go to: www.copenhagenlifesciencesummit.dk.
