CordenPharma Appoints Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux as New CEO to Drive Future Growth
On September 15, 2026, CordenPharma, a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), announced a significant leadership transition. Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux has been appointed as the new CEO, effective October 1, 2026. This move comes as the company embarks on a new growth phase, succeeding Dr. Michael Quirmbach, who has led the company since 2019 and has been a pivotal figure in its transformation over 12 years.
Dr. Michael Quirmbach is set to transition to a senior advisory role on the board of directors while continuing to lend his expertise to CordenPharma. Quirmbach's tenure was marked by remarkable achievements, including a strategic focus that effectively positioned the company as one of the top players in the global CDMO space. In his previous role, he navigated significant investments and cultivated a customer-oriented culture, transforming CordenPharma into a powerhouse with an annual revenue growth from 245 million euros to over one billion euros.
Dr. Herbeaux, who comes to CordenPharma after a successful stint at Hovione, brings with him a wealth of experience. He served as CEO at Hovione for more than four years and previously held various pivotal roles in a leading global specialty chemicals company, Evonik. As the new CEO, his primary objective will be to implement CordenPharma’s long-term strategy, collaborating closely with the board and leveraging the ongoing support from Astorg, a prominent private equity firm.
The appointment of Dr. Herbeaux occurs at an exciting time for CordenPharma. The firm has recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring AmbioPharm, a specialized CDMO in peptide manufacturing, which aligns with their goal of enhancing the company’s development and manufacturing expertise across its global network. Currently, the organization employs around 3,500 staff and operates multiple production sites across the United States, Europe, and Asia, facilitating a comprehensive service from early-stage development through to commercial production.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Herbeaux expressed enthusiasm about joining CordenPharma, recognizing the substantial groundwork laid by Quirmbach and his team. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing partnerships with clients and expanding the organization's capabilities to support the development of essential medicines worldwide.
Judith Charpentier, co-managing partner and co-director at Flagship, praised Quirmbach's contributions over the years, ensuring a strong future for CordenPharma under Herbeaux’s leadership: "Michael has made an exceptional contribution to CordenPharma over the past 12 years, and we are grateful for his leadership and collaboration. Jean-Luc brings significant operational expertise and leadership experience, and we look forward to working closely with him and the entire team to build upon our strong foundations."
Quirmbach shared his pride in what he and his team have built together at CordenPharma, looking ahead to the organization's future with optimism, emphasizing that CordenPharma is well-positioned for its next phase of development. As CordenPharma transitions into this new era, all eyes will be on Dr. Herbeaux to lead and expand the company’s already impressive track record in the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing sector. This new chapter promises to harness the existing strengths of CordenPharma while paving the way for the innovative solutions needed in the healthcare industry today and moving forward.
CordenPharma is known for its comprehensive CDMO services, assisting biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovators through complex modalities, thus advancing their drug development cycles. With a collective approach and extensive network of integrated facilities globally, CordenPharma specializes in delivering custom outsourcing services that encompass the entire supply chain, from early clinical development to market entry. The company focuses on high-value services in various areas, including peptides, small molecules, tailored lipid excipients, sterile injectable products, and oligonucleotides, ensuring a commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape across the globe.
CordenPharma employs over 3,500 staff members and operates 13 sites across Europe, North America, and Asia. Following its acquisition by Astorg, a leading private equity firm with vast expertise in the healthcare sector, CordenPharma is set for an exciting phase of growth and development. For more details on their offerings, visit cordenpharma.com and follow CordenPharma on LinkedIn.
Dr. Michael Quirmbach is set to transition to a senior advisory role on the board of directors while continuing to lend his expertise to CordenPharma. Quirmbach's tenure was marked by remarkable achievements, including a strategic focus that effectively positioned the company as one of the top players in the global CDMO space. In his previous role, he navigated significant investments and cultivated a customer-oriented culture, transforming CordenPharma into a powerhouse with an annual revenue growth from 245 million euros to over one billion euros.
Dr. Herbeaux, who comes to CordenPharma after a successful stint at Hovione, brings with him a wealth of experience. He served as CEO at Hovione for more than four years and previously held various pivotal roles in a leading global specialty chemicals company, Evonik. As the new CEO, his primary objective will be to implement CordenPharma’s long-term strategy, collaborating closely with the board and leveraging the ongoing support from Astorg, a prominent private equity firm.
The appointment of Dr. Herbeaux occurs at an exciting time for CordenPharma. The firm has recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring AmbioPharm, a specialized CDMO in peptide manufacturing, which aligns with their goal of enhancing the company’s development and manufacturing expertise across its global network. Currently, the organization employs around 3,500 staff and operates multiple production sites across the United States, Europe, and Asia, facilitating a comprehensive service from early-stage development through to commercial production.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Herbeaux expressed enthusiasm about joining CordenPharma, recognizing the substantial groundwork laid by Quirmbach and his team. He emphasized the importance of reinforcing partnerships with clients and expanding the organization's capabilities to support the development of essential medicines worldwide.
Judith Charpentier, co-managing partner and co-director at Flagship, praised Quirmbach's contributions over the years, ensuring a strong future for CordenPharma under Herbeaux’s leadership: "Michael has made an exceptional contribution to CordenPharma over the past 12 years, and we are grateful for his leadership and collaboration. Jean-Luc brings significant operational expertise and leadership experience, and we look forward to working closely with him and the entire team to build upon our strong foundations."
Quirmbach shared his pride in what he and his team have built together at CordenPharma, looking ahead to the organization's future with optimism, emphasizing that CordenPharma is well-positioned for its next phase of development. As CordenPharma transitions into this new era, all eyes will be on Dr. Herbeaux to lead and expand the company’s already impressive track record in the pharmaceutical development and manufacturing sector. This new chapter promises to harness the existing strengths of CordenPharma while paving the way for the innovative solutions needed in the healthcare industry today and moving forward.
CordenPharma is known for its comprehensive CDMO services, assisting biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovators through complex modalities, thus advancing their drug development cycles. With a collective approach and extensive network of integrated facilities globally, CordenPharma specializes in delivering custom outsourcing services that encompass the entire supply chain, from early clinical development to market entry. The company focuses on high-value services in various areas, including peptides, small molecules, tailored lipid excipients, sterile injectable products, and oligonucleotides, ensuring a commitment to enhancing the healthcare landscape across the globe.
CordenPharma employs over 3,500 staff members and operates 13 sites across Europe, North America, and Asia. Following its acquisition by Astorg, a leading private equity firm with vast expertise in the healthcare sector, CordenPharma is set for an exciting phase of growth and development. For more details on their offerings, visit cordenpharma.com and follow CordenPharma on LinkedIn.
Topics Health）
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