Zealand Pharma A/S, a biotechnology company, has appointed Steven Johnson as Chief Development Officer.

Johnson will join the executive team to lead regulatory and development strategies. His appointment, alongside Chief Medical Officer, David Kendall and recently appointed Chief Scientific Officer, Utpal Singh further strengthens the company’s strategy to lead the field in innovation in the management of obesity and other related conditions.

“Steven brings a unique 360-degree perspective on global drug development gained from a career at major pharma companies, CROs and the FDA,” said Adam Steensberg, CEO, Zealand Pharma. “He joins Zealand at a key moment as we embark on the collaboration with Roche to co-develop and co-commercialize petrelintide as a foundational therapy for people with overweight and obesity. Together, Utpal, Steven and David form a robust, seamless leadership team across research, development and medical affairs as we strive to become a leader in the management of obesity and related complications.”

Experience

Johnson brings nearly 30 years of experience driving drug development and regulatory strategy across the pharmaceutical industry. He joins Zealand Pharma from UCB Biopharma, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Regulatory Stakeholders, responsible for leading late phase clinical development, global regulatory affairs, biometrics and operational excellence. During Johnson’s tenure at UCB, his teams secured global approvals for key therapies across multiple therapeutic areas. Previously he had senior leadership roles at Medpace, Inc. and at Novo Nordisk. Johnson began his career at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where he served as a Master Reviewer in the Division of Metabolic and Endocrine Drug Products.

Johnson was a Geriatrics Fellow at Washington State University and holds a PharmD, a BPharm, and a BS in Biology, also from Washington State University.