Thomas Glanzmann becomes non-executive Chairman

Barcelona, Spain, Sept. 23, 2024 – Grifols (MCE:GRF, MCE:GRF.P, NASDAQ:GRFS), a global healthcare company and leading manufacturer of plasma-derived medicines, today announced that Thomas Glanzmann will become non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, and that CEO Nacho Abia will assume all executive responsibilities.

The change was approved by the Board and is effective immediately. It is the final step of a long-term management transition plan initiated in 2022.

Glanzmann, appointed Executive Chairman in February 2023, will now fully dedicate his time, energy and experience to the non-executive Chairmanship role, overseeing and protecting the interests of all Grifols stakeholders.

Accelerating the change, initially foreseen to happen in February 2025, is the result of a well-planned and successful transition and reflects the Board’s confidence in Abia, who assumed the CEO role on April 1, 2024. Since then, Abia has taken firm management control of the businesses, streamlined decision making and enhanced operational excellence. Abia will continue to prioritize business growth, further debt reduction and ongoing improvements to the company’s free cash flow.

Glanzmann focusing solely on the Board as non-executive Chairman further strengthens the company’s corporate governance, providing additional separation between the Board and day-to-day management of Grifols. No other changes are expected to the 11-member Board, on which Montserrat Muñoz will continue as the Independent Lead Director.

“It is and truly has been a privilege and an honor to serve as Executive Chairman for an amazing company such as Grifols and be part of its significant transformation at a time of great progress as well as unmerited challenges,” Glanzmann said. “Grifols today is well-positioned for the future, and I believe that now I can best serve this 115-year-old company as its non-executive Chairman. Starting today I will devote all my energies and focus to the Board and its responsibilities ensuring that we are making the right decisions in the best interests of all Grifols stakeholders.

“I thank all the extraordinary Grifols team members, who continue giving their best for patients and customers, especially at the most challenging moments“ he added. “I have great confidence and trust in Nacho Abia, who in a short time has proven to be a first-class executive with the talent and vision to lead this company into the future. In my new role I very much look forward to continuing to support and work with him, the leadership and the entire Grifols team to successfully write the next chapter in the company’s long history as an industry innovator and leader.”