Lundbeck has appointed Tarek Samad as Executive Vice President and Head of Research & Development (R&D). Samad will join the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), effective 1 September 2026.
Samad currently serves as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Research and Corporate Patents at Lundbeck, where he has led the company’s global research organisation since 2021 and played an instrumental role in executing Lundbeck’s R&D strategy, advancing its innovation capabilities and strengthening its research collaborations. Prior to joining Lundbeck, Samad held senior research leadership positions at Immunitas Therapeutics, Sanofi and Pfizer, and previously served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Charl van Zyl, CEO of Lundbeck, said: “Tarek has been a key contributor to the development and execution of our R&D strategy and to the progress we have achieved across our pipeline. As we continue to build on the momentum, I am confident that he is the right leader to guide our R&D organisation through its next phase of innovation and growth, delivering meaningful advances for patients.”
Samad commented: “Lundbeck combines a unique legacy of scientific excellence with an unwavering commitment to advancing innovation and improving the lives of people living with brain diseases. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of working alongside Johan and the broader R&D organization to advance our science, strengthen our capabilities, and accelerate the progress of our pipeline. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and working with colleagues across Lundbeck and our external partners to deliver transformative treatments for patients.”
Tarek Samad succeeds Johan Luthman, who is retiring after seven years with Lundbeck.
A transition period will commence in July 2026 to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities, and Luthman will remain with Lundbeck until the end of 2026 to ensure continuity across key strategic and scientific priorities.