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 Award Categories

Most Innovative CDMO

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.

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.

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.

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.

2026 Jury Members

The following industry leaders serve on the 2026 Jury Awards panel:

• Nermin Cehajic, Head of Global External Manufacturing, Dechra Pharmaceuticals

• Raj Manchanda, CTO, Dyne Therapeutics

• David Bricker, SVP, Head of Global Manufacturing and Supply, Eagle Pharmaceuticals

• Simon McGurk, VP, Head of External Strategic Development, GSK

• Mikaella Gorelick, SVP, Procurement Global Operations and Manufacturing, 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

• Lena Ohannesian, Executive Director, Global Development Program Management, Incyte

• Henriette Nielsen, EVP, Keenova

• Tom Weideman, Independent Consultant