How ten23 Became One of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Drug-Product CDMOs

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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