CordenPharma Names Jean‑Luc Herbeaux as New CEO to Lead Its Next Growth Chapter

Basel, Switzerland – CordenPharma, the Swiss‑based contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) that’s been expanding its global footprint, has confirmed that Dr. Jean‑Luc Herbeaux will step into the chief executive role on 1 October 2026.

He will be taking over from Dr. Michael Quirmbach, who has steered the company since 2019 and helped it grow from a €245 million turnover to more than €1 billion in revenue. Michael isn’t leaving entirely, though; he will stay on the board and act as a senior advisor, lending his deep industry knowledge to the next phase of the business.

Before joining CordenPharma, Dr. Herbeaux spent over four years as CEO of Hovione, another international CDMO, and earlier served as its chief operating officer. His résumé also includes senior positions at Evonik, a leader in specialty chemicals and sustainable materials.

In his new capacity, Dr. Herbeaux says his focus will be “to execute our growth plans with discipline, deepen our partnerships with customers, and keep strengthening the capabilities they rely on to develop and manufacture critical medicines.” He will work closely with the board and with Astorg, the firm that backs CordenPharma’s strategic investments.

The timing of the appointment coincides with a period of bold expansion for the company. Recent highlights include the acquisition of peptide‑CDMO AmbioPharm and ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity across the United States, Europe and Asia. Today, CordenPharma employs roughly 3,500 people and supports clients from early‑stage development all the way through commercial production.

Judith Charpentier, co‑managing partner at Astorg, praised both leaders: “Michael has made an exceptional contribution over the past 12 years. We’re grateful he’ll stay involved, and we’re excited that Jean‑Luc brings deep CDMO leadership to help us build on these strong foundations.”

Dr. Quirmbach added, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to continuing to contribute as a board member and senior advisor.”

With the leadership transition now set, CordenPharma appears ready to press on with its ambitious roadmap, delivering complex drug‑manufacturing solutions to biotech and pharma innovators worldwide.