Business Environment

Workforce Expansions Drive High Hiring Outlooks and Expectations: Survey

Hiring outlooks and expectations of workforce increases remain high, largely driven by expansions in work with many citing increased workloads and newly created positions. However, budgetary constraints may be stalling some companies' growth. This is according to a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey. Most U.S. hiring managers have a positive outlook for their company's hiring opportunities for the remainder of the year (81%), and report feelings of optimism (48%), hopefulness (41%) and confidence (41%). Several industries continued to see employment trending upwards, including health care, social assistance, leisure and hospitality, professional, scientific, technical services, retail and government. This is expected to continue for the remainder of the year, with 3 in 5 U.S. hiring managers (60%) saying their company plans to increase the number of employees in the second half of 2024 — though few plan to make significant increases in the number of employees (15%). New business/opportunities may be driving company efforts for workforce increases, as many attribute these plans to the need to manage increased volumes of work (50%) and fill newly created positions (44%), on par with past waves. Hiring UncertaintyOn the other hand, around a third of companies (32%) report they plan to stay at about the same number or make no change to headcount in the second half of 2024, and very few (6%) plan to reduce their employee count, also on par with previous waves. For those few planning to decrease the number of employees, most say it is to reduce costs (71%). A quarter say it is due to increased use of automation/technology/artificial intelligence (AI) (25%, compared to 16% last survey) and the need to align with the decline in demand at the company (25%). A third of hiring managers planning to decrease their workforce or keep the status quo point to budgetary constraints as the reason their company is not hiring or increasing the number of employees — reporting their company does not have enough money in the budget this year/is unable to afford to hire right now (33%). This is followed by feeling as though they do not need to hire more employees (30%) and waiting to see if the workload will level out before hiring additional employees (22%). "It's encouraging to see so many companies optimistic about their hiring plans for the remainder of the year across diverse industries," said Bill Stoller, Express Employment International CEO. "With labor demands shifting from traditional roles, job seekers should research in-demand careers and begin the credentialing process now to stand out from the competition. It's evident employers are looking to do more than just fill positions; they are looking for the right fit."

Agilent to Acquire North American CDMO BIOVECTRA

Agilent Technologies Inc.announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire BIOVECTRA, a leading specialized contract development and manufacturing organization, for $925 million. Based in Canada, BIOVECTRA produces biologics, highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients, and other molecules for targeted therapeutics. The acquisition builds on Agilent's CDMO specialization in oligonucleotides and CRISPR therapeutics in three key areas: Expands portfolio of services. BIOVECTRA offers sterile fill-finish services, pDNA and mRNA capabilities, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation. Adds rapidly growing modalities. BIOVECTRA brings expertise in fast-growing segments, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), and GLP-1. Brings world-class capabilities to support gene editing. BIOVECTRA's capabilities in biologics combined with Agilent's expertise in gRNA will provide customers with a single source for gene-editing technology. Both BIOVECTRA and Agilent are fully integrated CDMOs with state-of-the-art facilities that follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), a high standard for methods, facilities, and controls used in manufacturing, processing, and packaging of active pharmaceutical ingredients. "We look forward to welcoming BIOVECTRA to Agilent," said Agilent President and CEO Padraig McDonnell. "The company has an outstanding record of innovation, and its employees share our commitment to providing integrated biopharma solutions that continuously deliver more value to customers." McDonnell continued: "Plus, BIOVECTRA's manufacturing capabilities further expand Agilent's end-to-end biopharma offerings into new growth vectors, including workflows that seamlessly integrate analytical instrumentation, consumables, and a wide range of lab services." BIOVECTRA supports early-stage clinical development to large-scale commercial manufacturing. The company currently serves biotech and pharmaceutical companies in North America and Europe. "BIOVECTRA is excited to join Agilent, a company whose dedication to people and customers is very much aligned with ours," said Oliver Technow, CEO of BIOVECTRA. "BIOVECTRA has dedicated nearly 55 years to the relentless pursuit of helping our customers solve complex problems that improve patients' lives. This synergistic pairing of our capabilities with Agilent's will further enhance the value we can offer to our customers." BIOVECTRA delivered $113 million in revenue during 2023 and expects double-digit revenue growth in 2024. Agilent expects that the acquisition will be $0.05 dilutive to non-GAAP EPS in the first full year after closing. Agilent will fund the transaction using a mix of cash on hand and debt financing

LEO Pharma announces changes to its Global Leadership Team

LEO Pharma announced that Nathalie Daste, Executive Vice President of Global People & Corporate Affairs, has decided to resign her position and leave LEO Pharma due to personal reasons. Christophe Bourdon, CEO of LEO Pharma, said: “I want to express heartfelt gratitude to Nathalie for her dedication to the journey we are currently on. In the Global Leadership Team, we will miss Nathalie, her engagement, and her fresh ideas, but I fully understand the need to put family first.” Nathalie Daste said: “It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of my departure from this remarkable organization. Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role. While it is hard to bid farewell to such a talented and dedicated team, I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive and achieve great things.” Effective immediately, Michael Meyer, currently Head of HR Business Partnering and an experienced HR leader, will step in until a permanent solution has been identified. As a result, he will also join the Global Leadership Team. Michael is recognized for his strong leadership and solid HR background from various roles and industries, with the last 12 years spent within LEO Pharma. Throughout his career, Michael has worked internationally across the entire pharma value chain and held leadership roles in Europe, North America, and Asia. Following this change, LEO Pharma's Global Leadership Team will comprise the following executives: Christophe Bourdon, CEO, Philip Eickhoff, CFO, Sven Hauptmann, EVP, Technical Development and Supply, Brian Hilberdink, EVP, Region North America, Kreesten Meldgaard Madsen, CDO, Global Development, Michael Meyer, EVP, Global People & Corporate Affairs, Becki Morison, EVP, Global Product Strategy & International Operations, and Jacob Pontoppidan Thyssen, CSO, Research & Early Development.

Emmaus Life Sciences Announces Willis C. Lee as Chief Executive Officer

Emmaus Life Sciences a leader in sickle cell disease treatment, announced that Willis C. Lee has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lee, who previously served as Co-President and Chief Operating Officer, will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Lee said, "we are working hard to improve the efficiency of the company by reorganizing every level of our operations. We believe that these moves will better position us to serve our patients, clients, and shareholders, and equip us to face the challenges posed by the launch of generic L-glutamine. As the new CEO, I will ensure that we continue to grow our market presence in the Middle East and invest in research that will expand our pipelines and increase the value of the company. In the next few months, I will work aggressively with the Board, members of the newly restructured teams, and all stakeholders to ensure that your trust in us is well justified."

Lonza Welcomes Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Wienand

Wolfgang Wienand joins Lonza Group as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Wolfgang succeeds Albert M. Baehny, who took on the role of CEO ad interim in October 2023 and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lonza from 2018 to May 2024. Albert will work with Wolfgang to ensure a smooth leadership handover before he retires from Lonza this summer. Jean-Marc Huët, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lonza, commented: “On behalf of the Board, I extend a warm welcome to Wolfgang as he joins Lonza. Wolfgang brings with him a wealth of CDMO experience, combined with deep strategic and scientific expertise. As Wolfgang joins, we look forward to an era of stable and structured growth under his leadership.” Wolfgang Wienand, Chief Executive Officer, Lonza, commented: “Having worked in the CDMO industry for almost two decades, I always had great respect for Lonza’s ability to transform and grow at pace. It is a privilege to join this remarkable company as CEO. As I commence my journey with Lonza, we are embarking on a quest to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and their patients. I am greatly looking forward to working with the team to build on our strong foundations and create a strategy for us to deliver continued growth and reach our full potential.” Since 2019, Wolfgang has held the role of CEO at Swiss CDMO, Siegfried. Wolfgang previously served as Chief Scientific Officer and then as Chief Strategy Officer in Siegfried’s executive leadership team. Prior to joining Siegfried in 2010, Wolfgang held a series of positions with increasing seniority at the German specialty chemicals company Evonik Industries.

Infinitus Earns Prestigious Mercer China Healthiest Workplace Title and the Outstanding Health Innovation Award

Mercer China Healthiest Workplace List was unveiled, Infinitus received the prestigious "Mercer China Healthiest Workplace" designation and the Outstanding Health Innovation Award. The Mercer China Healthiest Workplace Awards is one of the most prestigious distinctions in the field of workplace health in China. Organized by Mercer, a leading professional consulting firm specializing in employee health and welfare, the event focuses on workplace health, and aims to identify and honor outstanding employers who have created comprehensive, excellent health and well-being environments for their employees. This year, 330 companies competed, with 67 companies, including names like Bayer, Yili, Tesla, Lenovo, Marriott, Mars, and Infinitus, earning recognition. Infinitus, a company rooted in health and wellness, operates under a mission to promote China's superior wellness culture, and create a healthier and happier life. the company views its employees as vital co-creators of the mission, holding a firm belief that by prioritizing the health and happiness of its staff, the company can inspire and unite more people to build a healthier and happier world. Embracing a distinctive philosophy that a healthy life is the foundation of a healthy existence, Infinitus adopts a holistic approach to employee well-being, addressing physical, psychological, social, and financial health through diverse initiatives: Physical Health Programs: Creation of A Healthy Workplace: Infinitus equips its offices with professional fitness equipment and offers health tips to encourage a balanced work-life and employee well-being. Additionally, seasonal health teas are always on offer in the pantry, demonstrating attention to detail and care for employee well-being. Health and Wellness Activities: Infinitus integrates health and wellness deeply into its culture through employee events and team-building exercises that embody Chinese health practices while enhancing their well-being. To illustrate an example, summer health activities encourage employees to engage in various health activities within the facility where they work, including traditional practices such as the application of three-volt patches, fire dragon jar treatments, and massage sessions. Safety and Health Assurance: Beyond regular medical check-ups for staff, Infinitus ensures workplace safety by equipping the office with first aid kits, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and other essential safety tools. Professional organizations are also regularly invited to conduct first aid and safety training sessions for the employees. Mental Health Support: Psychological Counseling Services: Employees and their families have access to 24/7 free psychological counseling, emphasizing the importance of mental health. Mind Recharging Spaces: The company offers exclusive areas such as a library, rooftop garden, and landscaped courtyard, designed to help employees relax and clear their minds. Additionally, a stress relief room is available for specific roles to alleviate their work-related stress. Mental Health Empowerment: Regular workshops focused on psychological health and stress management are conducted annually. These sessions are dedicated to educating employees about mental health and equipping them with the skills to manage their mental well-being. Social Wellness Initiatives: Family Fun for Balance: Infinitus organizes an annual Family Fun Day, encouraging employees to bring their friends and family to the company for a shared celebration. This event strengthens the bonds between employees and their loved ones. Recreational Activities for Networking: The company hosts a variety of recreational activities designed to help employees connect with colleagues who share similar interests. Financial Health Support: Supplementary Commercial Insurance: In addition to the mandatory social welfare scheme, Infinitus provides additional commercial insurance for its employees. This initiative addresses the challenge of accessing healthcare and includes family discounts on commercial insurance plans, ensuring comprehensive health protection for the entire family. Employee Hospitalization Mutual Aid Fund: This fund provides financial assistance and health products from the company to support the recovery of hospitalized employees. Assistance in Anti-Fraud: To safeguard employees' financial security, Infinitus hosts anti-fraud seminars. These sessions, featuring police officers from the Anti-Fraud Centre, offer valuable insights into fraud prevention, equipping employees with essential knowledge to protect themselves against financial scams. Receiving the Mercer China Healthiest Workplace designation marks the beginning of Infinitus' renewed commitment to cultivating a healthy workplace. Driven by its mission and the core value of "Si Li Ji Ren" (considering everyone's interest before taking action), Infinitus remains dedicated to enhancing the health and happiness of its employees and spreading well-being and joy to a broader community.

Labcorp Earns Top Score on 2024 Disability Equality Index

Labcorp, a leading global life sciences company, announced it has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion after earning the top score of 100 on the 2024 Disability Equality Index. The Disability Equality Index is a joint initiative founded by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), to help businesses make a positive impact on the unemployment/underemployment of people with disabilities. The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for Fortune 1000 scope companies to measure disability inclusion inside their organization based on the categories of culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices (benefits; recruitment; employment; education; retention and advancement; accommodations), community engagement, supplier diversity and responsible procurement. "Labcorp is committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging where our people can thrive including those with visible and invisible disabilities,” said Brenda Wagner, Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging Officer, Labcorp. “This recognition is a testament to our employees – especially those who overcome challenges – to help us serve our patients. Together, we are embracing possibilities and changing lives.” Labcorp’s disability inclusion culture is represented through its employee resource group, EnABLE (Empowering Abilities Beyond Labels for Everyone), which provides resources and workplace awareness of all disabilities, both visible and invisible. Since its inception in 2020, EnABLE has grown to include 1,750 members and seven chapters worldwide. Additional disability inclusion initiatives include Labcorp’s work with the Center for Disability Inclusion, which supports efforts to advance workplace and marketplace inclusion, as well as Level Access, which provides solutions designed to make the digital world accessible to those with physical disabilities. "On the 10th anniversary of the Disability Equality Index, we’re extremely proud of the 542 national and international companies that are taking a proactive role in leading progress towards disability inclusion, setting a benchmark for others to follow. Their dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces not only attracts top talent but also drives innovation and creates sustainable performance in today's global market. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can contribute and thrive,” said Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disability:IN. In 2024, 542 corporations, including 71 Fortune 100 and 220 Fortune 500, utilized the Disability Equality Index to benchmark their disability inclusion efforts. Labcorp will be honored for its achievements alongside other top-performing companies at the IN Annual Conference & Expo, taking place from this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Medpace Recognized with 2024 CRO Leadership Awards

Medpace, a global, full-service clinical research organization (CRO), reaffirms its industry leadership by once again being recognized with CRO Leadership Awards presented by Life Science Leader and Clinical Leader. Medpace received five awards across all categories, including Capabilities, Compatibility, Expertise, Quality, and Reliability. Medpace has a track record of recognition, having received CRO leadership awards in each the last 7 consecutive years. The company is focused on Making the Complex Seamless® for drug sponsors – with a unique, quality-focused operating model, high-caliber study teams that are consistent from project onset to closeout, and integrated services and technology to deliver operational excellence on a global scale. For the 2024 CRO Leadership Awards, Life Science Leader and Clinical Leader teamed up with Industry Standard Research (ISR) to determine award recipients. 42 contract research organizations were assessed on 20+ performance metrics in ISR’s annual CRO Quality Benchmarking survey to determine the CROs that meet or exceed their customers’ expectations in the categories of Capabilities, Compatibility, Expertise, Quality, and Reliability. Medpace was recognized as having exceeded its customers’ expectations across all five categories. Survey respondents were selected from biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes, vetted for CRO decision-making authority, and were asked to evaluate only companies they have worked on an outsourced project in the past 10 months to ensure the data behind the awards are driven by first-hand experience with the CROs being evaluated.

Pierre-Alain Ruffieux joins Cytiva as Chief Operating Officer

Cytiva is strengthening its leadership team with one of the biotechnology industry’s most highly regarded and experienced leaders, Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, who will join as Chief Operating Officer. Pierre-Alain Ruffieux says: "I am honored to join Cytiva in this role. The company mission resonates deeply with my personal passion for innovation and operational excellence. As a former customer, I've always admired the exceptional quality and reliability of Cytiva’s products and services. Leveraging this firsthand experience and working closely with Cytiva’s talented team, I look forward to further enhancing our customer experience and fostering sustainable global growth.” Chris Riley, Cytiva CEO and Danaher Executive Vice President, says: “We’re excited for what Pierre-Alain will bring to our customers with his depth of experience, expertise, and customer perspective. He has a proven track record from serving as CEO of Lonza, one of our largest customers, as well as Head of Global Pharma Technical Operations at Roche, where he oversaw pharmaceutical commercial manufacturing and supply chain operations. I look forward to working with him to sharpen Cytiva’s ability to deliver with quality and on time to our customers and their patients.”

Cyrus Taraporevala Elected to Pfizer’s Board of Directors

Pfizer Inc. announced the election of Cyrus Taraporevala to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Taraporevala, age 57, was also appointed to and will join the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Pfizer’s Board. Mr. Taraporevala served as President and Chief Executive Officer at State Street Global Advisors from 2017 until his retirement in 2022. Prior to joining State Street, he held numerous leadership roles in asset management, including at Fidelity, BNY Mellon, Legg Mason, and Citigroup. Earlier in his career, Mr. Taraporevala was a partner at McKinsey & Company, based in New York and Copenhagen. He serves on the boards of directors of Shell plc and Bridgepoint Group plc. Mr. Taraporevala received a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting from Sydenham College, University of Bombay, and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University. “We are pleased to welcome Cyrus Taraporevala to Pfizer’s Board of Directors,” stated Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He brings vast experience in investment management, financial markets plus leadership and global operations more broadly that will be an asset to Pfizer and enable our shareholders to continue to benefit from a Board representing a balance of experience, competencies and perspectives.”