Steen Riisgaard is an Advisor to the Forbion BioEconomy Fund. A recognised leader in industrial biotechnology, he is the former President and CEO of Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of industrial enzymes, where he served from the company’s founding in 2000 until 2013. Steen began his career in microbiology-driven research roles before joining Novo Nordisk in 1979, progressing through senior leadership positions, including establishing the company’s Enzymes R&D unit in Tokyo, and later serving as Corporate Executive Vice President for the global enzyme business. When Novozymes was spun out from Novo Nordisk, he guided its development into a global biotechnology powerhouse, championing advancements in industrial enzymes, sustainable materials, and next-generation biofuels. A prominent advocate for the transition to a bio-based economy, Steen has consistently promoted biotechnology as a cornerstone for reducing reliance on fossil resources. Over the last 15 years, he also served as chairman of the Egmont Group and Rockwool International, as vice-chair of Novo Holdings, and as board member of Novo Nordisk Foundation and Corbion.
