Meet the maker: EPM talks to John Fowler

In this latest instalment of our ‘Meet the maker’ series, we talk with John Fowler who was recently appointed as chief operating officer at Piramal Pharma Solutions — a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) that offers end-to-end services required to bring a drug to market.

1. Could you briefly describe yourself?

I’ve had the good fortune and excitement of over 30 years’ global business experience across several industries in project management, operations, commercial strategy, technology transfer, start-ups and business restructuring. What motivates me the most is leading and delivering difficult challenges whilst bringing unequalled value to the customer that helps them achieve their goals.

2. Please describe your average day in five words.

Listening, prioritising, collaborating, planning, family.

3. At what point did you decide to be involved in the pharma market?

Spring of 2005 and never looked back. The challenges and diversity of business opportunities is so unique to other industries and the societal benefit is tremendous. At the end of the day it’s all about helping patients which is incredibly rewarding.

4. What has been your biggest achievement?

I could say building a sustainable business strategy that delivered an EBITDA margin of >30%, but it’s really figuring out a way to juggle the demands of the job and still be there for the family — I’ve got 4 kids, some in university and some that are toddlers!

5. What would you say is your worst trait?

I can be pretty demanding but I like to think in a positive way and I put even more pressure on myself… so hypercompetitive.

6. What do you love about your job?

Collaborating with colleagues and customers to solve difficult problems that our competitors can’t!

7. If anything, what would you change about your job?

Find a way to free up more time to mentor and develop the aspiring leaders that are out there. Good talent is so difficult to come by in the CDMO space.

8. If you weren’t in the pharma industry what job would you like to do?

Coach soccer and set up a small airline charter company in the Caribbean. I love to fly my single engine Piper Cherokee!

9. What challenges do you foresee being important over the next 10 years?

Truly integrated service in both drug substance and product that will save customers both time and money. Many claim to have it but few actually deliver the requisite level of service. Evolving continuous processing will also be key to lower manufacturing costs and take product quality to the next level.

10. In your opinion, what will offer the biggest opportunities in the future?

Technologies that enable new and better therapies and deliver solutions to many difficult indications. Novel technologies like ADC’s and immunotherapy will certainly play a role, and there will be more.