Major CEO changes continue in the pharmaceutical industry in 2026. Paul Chaplin will step down as CEO of Bavarian Nordic for personal reasons as his family moves back to Australia. Chaplin has led the Danish specialty vaccine company since 2014, and under his leadership it has grown from a small research company to a publicly traded vaccine manufacturer with approved products in multiple regions. He will remain in office until the end of 2026 or until a successor takes office, while the board has already begun the search for a new director. At Sarepta Therapeutics, CEO Douglas Ingram is leaving after a turbulent year caused by safety and regulatory issues with its DMD gene therapy Elevidys, and will stay on until the end of the year or a successor. Sanofi announced in February 2026 that it would not renew CEO Paul Hudson's contract after a six-year stint, with its share price down more than 20% since February 2025. Some directors leave for personal reasons, others were dismissed due to poor company performance.[1]