Novo Lifer Takes Job of Reviving Europe’s Weight-Loss Superstar

Maziar Mike Doustdar spent more than three decades quietly climbing the ranks of Novo Nordisk A/S, from office clerk through logistics and marketing roles to head of international operations. Now the relatively unknown insider is moving into the spotlight with a daunting task: revive a once high-flying drugmaker from a steep descent that’s wiped out two-thirds of its value in the past year.

Doustdar has pledged to work quickly, and there were hints on Tuesday that part of his response may involve cutbacks and job reductions. He said he would look at “realigning the cost base,” though he didn’t offer any details.