Board of Directors
The Board of Directors, appointed by the shareholders, is composed of 16 members, two of whom are employee representatives. 11 directors are independent. Members of our Board of Directors are appointed for a maximum term of four years; reappointment of Directors is done on a rotation basis.
The Board of Directors defines the strategic business guidelines and directions of the Company, and supervises their implementation. Subject to the powers expressly attributed to the Shareholders’ General Meeting, and within the scope of the company’s corporate purpose, the Board of Directors’ powers cover all issues relating to the proper management of the company and through its decisions the Board determines all matters falling within its authority.
Further information in our Board Charter
Board diversity
Each year, the Board of Directors conducts a review to ensure that there is an appropriate balance in its composition. In particular, the Board seeks to ensure gender balance and a broad diversity of backgrounds and countries of origin, international experience, reflecting Sanofi’s status as a diversified global business.
As of April 2020, women represent 43% of members. 8 Directors are non-French.
Above all, the Board seeks directors who show independence of mind and who are competent, dedicated and committed.
Independence of board members
Under the terms of the AFEP-MEDEF corporate governance code of listed corporations, a Director is independent when he or she has no relation of any kind whatsoever with the company, its group or its management that may interfere with his or her freedom of judgement.
As of April 2020, 79% of members are independent.
Composition of the Board of Directors
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As of April 2020, the Board of Directors comprises the following members:
Gilles Schnepp*
* Independent Director
Directors representing employees
Summary table
| Director | Age | Nationality | First appointed | Term expires | Seniority | AC | AGC | CC | SC | SciC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serge Weinberg, Chairman of the Board(a) | 69 | French | December 2009 | 2023 AGM | 11 | C | C | √ | ||
| Paul hudson, Chief Executive Officer | 52 | British | September 2019 | 2022 AGM | 1 | √ | ||||
| Laurent Attal | 62 | French | May 2012 | 2024 AGM | 8 | √ | √ | |||
| Emmanuel Babeau(a) | 53 | French | May 2018 | 2022 AGM | 2 | √ | ||||
| Christophe Babule | 54 | French | February 2019 | 2022 AGM | 1 | |||||
| Bernard Charlès(a) | 63 | French | May 2017 | 2021 AGM | 3 | |||||
| Rachel Duan(a) | 49 | Chinese | April 2020 | 2024 AGM | 0 | |||||
| Lise Kingo(a) | 58 | Danish | April 2020 | 2024 AGM | 0 | |||||
| Patrick Kron(a) | 66 | French | May 2014 | 2022 AGM | 6 | √ | C | √ | ||
| Fabienne Lecorvaisier(a) | 57 | French | May 2013 | 2021 AGM | 7 | C | ||||
| Melanie Lee(a) | 61 | British | May 2017 | 2021 AGM | 3 | √ | √ | |||
| Marion Palme(b) | 37 | German | May 2017 | 2021 AGM | 3 | |||||
| Carole Piwnica(a) | 62 | Belgian | December 2010 | 2024 AGM | 10 | √ | ||||
| Christian Senectaire(b) | 55 | French | May 2017 | 2021 AGM | 3 | |||||
| Diane Souza(a) | 67 | American | May 2016 | 2024 AGM | 4 | √ | √ | |||
| Thomas C. Südhof(a) | 64 | German/American | May 2016 | 2024 AGM | 4 | C |
AC: Audit Committee
AGC: Appointments and Governance Committee
CC: Compensation Committee
SC: Strategy Committee
SciC: Scientific Committee
C: Chairman/Chairwoman
(a) Independent director
(b) Director representing employees