Novozymes, a global company focusing on enzyme development and production with some 500 employees in the Triangle region, is reorganizing.

The latest changes follow a decision announced last month to spin off its biopharma group.

Its North America leader explained to WRAL TechWire what’s happening and noted there will be some new jobs as a result. 

“We are making the changes to deliver more significant innovation to our customers faster and to increase our agility to act swiftly on market needs,” said Adam Monroe, president of the Americas,.

“The change is not about reducing cost – it is about organizing for growth.”

Novozymes, which is headquartered in Denmark, operates its North America operations out of a regional campus in Franklinton.

The company also has a research and development operation in the Triangle.

On Monday, Novozymes said the company was being divided into three companies:

  • Household Care & Technical Industries
  • Agriculture & Bioenergy
  • Food & Beverages

Agriculture and bioenergy are primary areas of emphasis for the Novozymes operations in Franklinton.

Monroe said there will be minimal impact on jobs.

“This will create some new positions, and while some positions may close, it is not significantly different from day-to-day business ebbs and flows,” Monroe said.

As for local operations, he pointed out: “Our business sites in Franklinton and RTP will continue operations per usual.”

Novozymes also made several executive changes as part of the reorganization.

  • Former Vice President of Sales Tina Sejersgård Fanø ais is now Executive Vice President (EVP), Agriculture & Bioenergy
  • Former Vice President of Sales Anders Lund is EVP, Household Care & Technical Industries
  • Former EVP, Business Operations, Andrew Fordyce, will transfer into the role of EVP, Food & Beverages 

A R&D and Supply group will support all three divisions, led by Chief Operating Officer Thomas Videbæk.

Peder Holk Nielsen remains CEO.

Other changes included the departures of Per Falholt, who had led R&D and who becomes a consultant to the company, and Thomas Nagay, who had led supply operations.

“We can make an even bigger difference with our biological solutions than we do today,” Nielsen said of the changes.

“We have not unlocked our full growth potential. With this change in structure we aim to deliver more significant innovation to our customers faster and create the agility to act swiftly on market needs. This will further strengthen our technology and market leadership.”