Frederik Paulsen inherited Ferring Pharmaceuticals from his father but transformed a small drugmaker into a much larger international biopharmaceutical company during decades of operating and board leadership. [1][2]
He inherited a small company rather than a mature global group
Ferring was founded by Paulsen's father in 1950, and Forbes describes Frederik Paulsen as inheriting the drugmaker rather than founding it himself. [1]
Paulsen joined Ferring in 1976 and became managing director of the Swedish business in 1983. Forbes says the company generated about $15 million in annual revenue when he took over running it. [2][1]
That starting platform was economically meaningful, but it was far smaller than the later enterprise. Paulsen's role therefore involved operating expansion of an inherited business rather than passive succession. [1][2]
Global expansion multiplied the inherited base
Under Paulsen, Ferring expanded internationally across reproductive medicine, urology, gastroenterology and other therapeutic areas, with Forbes estimating annual sales in the billions and subsidiaries in dozens of countries. [1]
Paulsen chaired Ferring's board from 1988 until 2021 and now serves as chairman emeritus, giving him a long documented record of stewardship after the company passed from the founder generation. [2]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 24, 2026.
- Frederik Paulsen · Forbes · Mar 10, 2026
- Frederik Paulsen · Ferring Pharmaceuticals
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