#USA #Philadelphia #CEO #Minaris #Orla Cloak

Minaris Advanced Therapies Welcomes Dr. Orla Cloak as CEO

Minaris Advanced Therapies has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership on July 21, 2025. The company is excited to welcome Dr. Orla Cloak as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Cloak arrives at Minaris with a wealth of experience, boasting over two decades in commercial leadership within the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.

Dr. Cloak's professional background speaks volumes about her capability and preparation for this new role. Before joining Minaris, she spent 17 years at Lonza, where she held several key leadership positions. Her last position there was Senior Vice President and Head of the Lonza Bioscience business, a role that equipped her with vital insights into the biotechnology and pharmaceutical landscapes. As such, Dr. Cloak is well-positioned to guide Minaris Advanced Therapies during a crucial time in the company's evolution.

Education also plays a pivotal role in Dr. Cloak's exceptional qualifications. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from University College Dublin and later earned a Doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Ulster. This strong academic foundation complements her extensive industry experience, making her an apt choice for steering Minaris’ mission forward.

Iain Baird, the Chairman of the Board at Minaris Advanced Therapies, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Cloak's appointment, stating, “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Orla to Minaris Advanced Therapies. Her leadership will be instrumental in achieving our mission of supporting customers to successfully commercialize their innovative therapies.”

In her own remarks, Dr. Cloak has expressed her commitment to the company: “I am honored to join Minaris Advanced Therapies at such a pivotal time. I look forward to working with the talented team here to build on the company's strong foundations and drive its next phase of growth.” Her vision to enhance the capabilities of Minaris while ensuring high standards of operational excellence reflects her passion for the industry and commitment to patient-centered solutions.

Minaris Advanced Therapies operates as a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and has a niche focus on cell and gene therapies. The organization, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, boasts an impressive infrastructure of over 650,000 square feet across North America, Europe, and Asia. This positioning allows Minaris to provide comprehensive support for therapy developers, assisting them in various stages, from early development through clinical trials to commercial manufacturing.

The impact of Dr. Cloak's leadership is expected to be significant as the company continues to innovate. Throughout its corporate history, Minaris Advanced Therapies has successfully manufactured and released more than 7,500 GMP batches. This record demonstrates the organization's commitment to maintaining high standards in the rapidly evolving field of therapeutic development.

Furthermore, Minaris is a portfolio company of Altaris, an investment firm that focuses on the healthcare sector. Altaris has a notable track record of building and acquiring healthcare companies, having invested in over 50 firms since its establishment in 2003. This partnership underscores the potential for growth and innovation within Minaris Advanced Therapies under Dr. Cloak's leadership, aligning with Altaris' goal to deliver value within the healthcare system while creating favorable returns for their investors.

In summary, the appointment of Dr. Orla Cloak as CEO marks a pivotal moment for Minaris Advanced Therapies, setting the stage for innovative growth and operational excellence in the field of gene and cell therapies. With her extensive background and passion for the industry, stakeholders and customers alike can anticipate exciting developments from Minaris in the near future.