What does it really take to build one of Europe’s fastest-growing drug-product CDMOs, and do it with scientific precision, culture-first leadership, and a B-Corp mindset?
This week, in another episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO & Founder of ten23.
With over 20 years of experience spanning senior roles at Merck, Roche, biopharma development, drug-product strategy, and CDMO leadership, Hanns-Christian brings a rare blend of scientific rigour, sustainability vision, and people-centric leadership.
In this episode, Hanns-Christian covers:
- The origin story of ten23 and why he left big pharma to challenge the CDMO status quo with ten23
- Why ten23 leads with partnership - not execution - and how “asking better questions” is their competitive edge ten23
- ten23’s rapid growth journey: new filling lines, site expansion, headcount growth, and strategic partnerships, like with BD
- The culture behind the company: transparency, autonomy, values-led leadership, and building a truly learning organisation at ten23
- The future of CDMOs: AI adoption with intention, sustainability as a scientific discipline, and what’s next for ten23’s global footprint
- Hanns-Christian also speaks about his partnerships with sustainability-focused companies such as Lio, led by CEO Vladimir Keil, highlighting how these collaborations help drive more responsible and efficient operations.
If you want a masterclass in modern CDMO leadership, rooted in science, innovation, and purpose, this is the episode to watch.
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Hanns-Christian Mahler
CEO at ten23
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanns-christian-mahler/
Thomas McMann
Director - Contracts Division at ARTO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/
Timestamps:
00:00 Career Beginnings & ten23
08:18 Challenges with Scaling
14:29 Culture & Leadership Style
20:00 Scientific Rigour vs Sustainability
26:07 Challenges with Geopolitical Issues
29:13 The Future & AI
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