Jury Awards

In addition to the CDMO Leadership Awards determined through independent industry research, the Jury Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the CDMO ecosystem.

Jury Award recipients are informed by CDMO Leadership Awards survey data and public polling, providing insight into industry sentiment and performance. Final selections are made by an independent jury of senior industry leaders, who apply their experience and judgment to determine the award recipients.

The Jury Awards are supported by Orientation Marketing, the official media partner for the CDMO Leadership Awards.

How Jury Awards Are Determined

Jury Awards are selected through deliberation and consensus among jury members. Considerations include industry impact, leadership, innovation, and long-term contribution to the CDMO ecosystem. Sponsorship, advertising, or commercial relationships do not influence jury decisions.

2026 Jury Members

Jury Chairs

Dr. Kurt Nielsen, Managing Director, Expert Insights; former CEO, Pii; executive at Catalent, Lupin, and Sandoz
John Chiminski, Senior Advisor, Bourne Partners; Independent Director, QuidelOrtho; Independent Director, Radiology Partners, Former CEO and Chair, Catalent

Vice Chair

Elliott Berger, Board Director, Orientation Marketing; former CMO, Catalent

Jury Awards Panel

Raj Manchanda, CTO, Dyne Therapeutics
David Bricker, SVP, Head of Global Manufacturing and Supply, Eagle Pharmaceuticals
Mikaella Gorelick, Head, Global Procurement, Manufacturing and Operations, Amgen
Patrick Poisson, EVP, Strategic Development, United Therapeutics
Kevin Cook, VP, Global Pharma and Biologics Supply Chain, Bristol Myers Squibb
Philip Coetzee, Director, CMO Management, Daiichi Sankyo Europe
Joe Graskemper, General Manager, Early Phase Development and Manufacturing, Biogen
Jim Coy, COO, Acme-Hardesty
Kaushik Datta, Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Impact Supply Chain Partners
Praveen Tyle, CEO, Orion Biotechnology
John Abt, COO, Lannett Company
Henriette Nielsen, EVP, Keenova
Salomon Engels, Head of External Manufacturing, Par Health
Tom Weideman, Independent Consultant

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 Jury Award FINALISTS

Most Innovative CDMO

Sponsored by CAI

Recognizes a CDMO that has demonstrated meaningful innovation with real-world impact, whether through advanced development approaches, novel delivery technologies, application of AI, or manufacturing excellence that improves outcomes for partners.

Small Molecule

Carbogen Amcis
Esteve
Upperton
Veranova

Biologics

AGC Biologics
FUJIFILM Biotechnologies
Just-Evotec Biologics
Rentschler Biopharma

Cell & Gene Therapy

NorthX Biologics
Oxford BioMedica (OXB)
ProBioGen
Viralgen

Best New or Relaunched CDMO

Honors a CDMO that has successfully entered the market or reintroduced itself through a significant relaunch, showing clear strategic focus, differentiation, and early momentum with biopharma partners.

Ardena
Axplora
Biovectra
Lotte Biologics
Minaris Advanced Therapies
Rezon Bio
Simtra BioPharma Solutions

Best CDMO Management Team

Recognizes an executive leadership team that has demonstrated strong vision, execution, and culture, driving sustained growth, operational excellence, and trusted client partnerships.

3PBIOVIAN
Dottikon
Grand River
IDT Biologika
Siegfried

Best Private Equity Team Supporting the CDMO Industry

Honors a private equity team that has played a meaningful role in strengthening the CDMO sector through thoughtful investment, long-term strategy, and support of operational and organizational excellence.

1315 Capital
EQT
GHO Capital Partners
Permira
THLee
Warburg Pincus

Sustainability Leadership Award

Sponsored by Federal Equipment Company

Recognizes a CDMO that has demonstrated measurable progress in advancing sustainable manufacturing practices, reducing environmental impact while strengthening operational efficiency and long-term industry resilience.

Boehringer Ingelheim BioXcellence
Lonza
Samsung Biologics
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Vetter Pharma

2026 CDMO Leadership Award Sponsors