Roeland Vandebrouck

When pharmaceutical companies acquire new product portfolios, they also inherit the outsourced manufacturing networks that support them. Integrating these contract manufacturing organisations into an existing supply and manufacturing framework is not only a critical exercise for business continuity but also a highly complex task that requires careful planning, rigorous governance, and sustained collaboration.

This session will provide practical insights into the processes, systems, and strategies required to successfully onboard and integrate newly acquired CMOs into an established network. Delegates will gain an understanding of how to ensure seamless supply continuity, maintain compliance with internal and external quality standards, and build capacity for long-term scalability.

Drawing on first-hand experience, Roeland Vandebrouck, Head of External Supply Operations, Grünenthal Group, will share lessons learned from managing multiple integrations. Roeland will highlight both the challenges and solutions involved in coordinating these high-intensity transitions, balancing the needs of newly acquired products with the wider strategic priorities of the organisation.

Key discussion points include:

• The integration challenge: How to balance immediate operational requirements with longer-term strategic objectives. This includes onboarding CMOs existing processes and systems to safeguard supply, while also planning for potential technology transfers.
• Building a sustainable CMO network: Practical approaches to establishing robust governance structures, including clear roles, responsibilities, and escalation pathways. Discussion will also cover methods for aligning CMO technical expertise and production capacity with business requirements, ensuring flexibility for growth, and creating long-term collaborative partnerships.