Herbeaux takes charge of the Astorg-owned drug manufacturer Oct. 1 as Quirmbach moves to an advisory role after 12 years with the company.

CordenPharma, a Basel, Switzerland-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) owned by private equity firm Astorg, appointed Jean-Luc Herbeaux as chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. He succeeds Michael Quirmbach, who has served as CEO since 2019, the company announced Sept. 15.

Quirmbach will join the board as a senior advisor after 12 years with CordenPharma. CordenPharma has more than 3,500 employees and 13 facilities across Europe, North America and Asia. It reported €960 million in sales for 2025.

Herbeaux will lead the execution of CordenPharma's long-term strategy with the board and Astorg's continued support. The company said its priorities include growth, operational execution, customer delivery and further development of its global platform.

Herbeaux arrives from Hovione

Herbeaux was chief executive of Hovione, an international CDMO, for more than four years. He took that role on April 1, 2022, succeeding Guy Villax, who had led the company for 25 years, Hovione said at the time.

Herbeaux joined Hovione as chief operating officer in May 2020 after senior roles at Evonik Industries (Xetra: EVK), where he headed the health care business line.

Hovione announced May 11 that Herbeaux would step down as CEO effective May 21 for personal reasons. He remained with the company through Sept. 30 to support the transition.

Quirmbach moves to an advisory role

Quirmbach joined CordenPharma in 2014 and became CEO in 2019. The company said he oversaw the development of its platform strategy, investments in capabilities and capacity, expansion of its global footprint and integration of its sites.

CordenPharma described his departure from the CEO role as a planned transition. He said he was proud of what the company had built during his tenure and would continue contributing as a board member and senior advisor.

CordenPharma cites recent expansion

The company stated the appointment follows a period of strategic expansion and investment. CordenPharma announced May 27 an agreement to acquire AmbioPharm, a peptide drug ingredient maker with facilities in North Augusta, South Carolina, and Shanghai. CordenPharma completed the acquisition Aug. 3.

Astorg acquired CordenPharma in 2022 from International Chemical Investors Group.

Executives outline priorities

Herbeaux said his focus is to execute CordenPharma's growth plans with discipline, deepen customer partnerships and strengthen the capabilities on which customers rely. Judith Charpentier, co-managing partner at Astorg, said Herbeaux brings leadership and operational experience in the CDMO sector.

Hovione names interim and permanent successors

Hovione announced May 11 that Herbeaux would step down as CEO effective May 21 for personal reasons. It appointed Chief Financial Officer António Almeida and Marco Gil, senior vice president of sales and marketing, as interim co-CEOs.

On Sept. 9, Hovione said Chairman Stefan Doboczky will become CEO on April 1, 2027. The company said the interim leadership arrangement will remain in place until then.