Paul Stoffels is a visionary leader who inspires and drives transformational innovation to bring years of life and quality of life to millions of people around
the world.

Before Paul became the CEO of Galapagos, until the end of 2021, Paul was Vice Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Scientific Officer of Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Paul has strong global executive experience and is recognized as inspirational leader of R&D teams, which under his leadership, have discovered and delivered some exceptionally important and innovative medicines. He has an outstanding record of quickly building valuable innovative pipelines through insightful product acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

He was also worldwide Chairman Pharmaceuticals of J&J, which under his leadership, significantly rejuvenated its product pipeline and adopted a transformational R&D model, resulting in the launch of 25 innovative medicines
across the globe, 7 of which have been added to the Essential Medicines List
of the World Health Organization, a recognition for the huge impact these medicines are making for patients worldwide.

Paul studied Medicine at the University of Diepenbeek and the University of Antwerp in Belgium and Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at the Institute of
Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. He began his career as a physician in Africa, focusing on HIV and tropical diseases clinical research.