Skip to the content

Menu

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

Lifetime CDMO Leadership Achievement Award

Recognizes an individual whose career has had a lasting and transformative impact on the CDMO industry, demonstrating sustained leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing outsourcing partnerships, operational excellence, and the growth of the sector, all in service of the patients and consumers who ultimately depend on the therapies brought to market.

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.

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.

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