tech
Ester Baiget never planned to be CEO. Then a future bioscience giant came calling
Novonesis CEO Ester Baiget reflects on the decision to leave Dow after 25 years to lead Novozymes, and why impact, not ambition, drove the move. She discusses the family values that shaped her, redefining the company as a biosolutions leader, the Chr. Hansen merger and why leadership requires courage, respect and long-term purpose.
TL;DR
- Ester Baiget left a 25-year career at Dow to become CEO of Novozymes (now Novonesis).
- Her move was driven by purpose and the belief in biology's potential impact, not ego or a lifelong plan.
- Baiget emphasizes curiosity over career planning, learning to handle setbacks, and the collaborative nature of CEO roles with a strong team.
- She explains Novozymes' strategic shift from an enzyme company to a biosolutions company, paving the way for the Chr. Hansen merger.