**SANOFI CEO CHANGE: Paul Hudson OUT, Belen Garijo IN (effective Apr 29)**
Sanofi unexpectedly replaced CEO Paul Hudson on Feb 12. Hudson departs Feb 17. Belen Garijo (outgoing Merck KGaA CEO) takes over after AGM on April 29. Interim CEO: Olivier Charmeil (EVP General Medicines). Sanofi shares dropped ~6% on the news. Gari
- Source: [MarketScreener](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/surprising-leadership-change-at-sanofi-outgoing-merck-ceo-to-take-the-helm-ce7e5ad2d181f423), [DCAT](https://www.dcatvci.org/top-industry-news/sanofi-appoints-new-ceo/)
**IMPACT ON PATIENT FINDER:** This is a critical development. Paul Hudson was a warm contact for Daniel. The new CEO Garijo is an unknown quantity for Ada's relationship. Outreach strategy needs immediate reassessment:
1. Daniel should consider reaching out to Hudson before Feb 17 departure -- he may land elsewhere in pharma and remain a contact
2. Olivier Charmeil (interim CEO) may be a bridge contact during transition
3. Garijo previously spent 15 years at Sanofi before Merck KGaA -- she knows the organization deeply
4. Garijo's R&D focus could be favorable for Patient Finder if positioned as innovation