Catalent names new corporate development, science leaders

Mike Grippo.

Grippo will be tasked with identifying shareholder growth opportunities and various corporate development functions. He will report to John Chiminsky, chair and CEO of Catalent. Prior to his appointment, Grippo joined Catalent as vice president of corporate affairs in 2016. Before that, he was vice president of corporate development for CR Bard. Prior to CR Bard, he was in similar roles at Hill-Rom Holdings. Earlier in his career, he held positions at SG Cowen and UBS Securities.

The company also announced Julien Meissonnier has been named chief scientific officer and vice president, reporting to Grippo. He will be responsible for leading Catalent’s new product development and technology innovation programs. He will also help formulate and adopt new drug delivery technologies. Prior to his appointment, Meissonnier previously held the role of vice presdiet, science and technology, and before that, he led Catalent’s European softgel R&D team.

“Since our IPO in 2014, we have completed seven acquisitions and are expected to close the acquisition of an oral dose and biologics facility in Italy, from Bristol-Myers Squibb, before the end of the calendar year,” Chiminski said. “The decisions to make strategic investments in areas such as biologics, gene therapy, and spray drying have been driven in large part by the work of our Corporate Development team, led by Mike Grippo in partnership with key leaders across the business.”

“During his long career with Catalent, Julien has been instrumental in driving excellence across the R&D community, notably through the launch of the Scientific Resource Center serving the business’s team of approximately 2,400 scientists and technicians. He will promote open innovation within the organization, and we welcome both to the executive leadership team,” Chiminski said.