Michael Burke, founder of Ireland’s largest indigenous pharmaceuticals manufacturer to become Chairman and will continue to lead company’s R&D strategy
Chanelle Pharma, Ireland’s largest indigenous manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals founded by managing director Michael Burke is recruiting a new CEO to lead Chanelle Pharma into its next phase of growth and development.
Burke founded the company in 1985 and has grown Chanelle Pharma into one of Ireland’s most successful private companies. Headquartered in his native Galway, the 17.5 acre campus includes three manufacturing facilities and four R&D laboratories. A fifth R&D facility is located in Amman, Jordan. More than 550 people are employed by the company which exports to 96 countries, supplying 10 of the top 12 human generic multinational companies in the world and 10 of the top 12 animal health multinational companies globally. The company is one of only two in Europe with FDA approval for the manufacture and sale of ‘Spot-On’ anti-parasitic treatment for small animals, giving it an important foothold in the lucrative US small animal market.
In 2016, Chanelle announced a €70 million investment programme in Chanelle Pharma and in 2018 announced the single largest investment ever by an Irish owned pharmaceutical company when Michael Burke announced a further €86 million would be invested in the company over a five year period. This investment is being made to support the company’s strategy of strengthening its global position through expansion of manufacturing and R&D facilities, the launch of new products, entry into new markets and growing employment to over 850 people by 2023. Delivering this strategy will be the focus of the new CEO.
With a focus undiminished by 35 years at the helm, Burke will become Chairman of Chanelle Pharma and will retain responsibility for driving the company’s R&D including managing the product pipeline and registration for veterinary and human health products with consultation and input from the new CEO to ensure seamless integration of new products in to the company’s commercial strategy.
Michael Burke, Founder and Managing Director of Chanelle Pharma said; “Chanelle Pharma has been on an extraordinary growth journey over the last four years. Our growth has been rapid and has been achieved through hard work, a dedication to meeting our customers’ needs, a continuous pursuit of excellence and a strong team spirit which is evident throughout our operations in Ireland and in Jordan.
“Our five year investment programme is being undertaken without recourse to borrowings and will cement Chanelle Pharma’s position in the global generic pharmaceutical industry. Key to our continued success will be a willingness to embrace change, to be flexible and a laser sharp focus on innovation. The appointment of a new CEO who can deliver on the company’s strategic plan will bring new energy and focus while allowing me to concentrate my efforts on maintaining a productive R&D pipeline of new products in both veterinary and human healthcare”.
He added; “Last year turnover grew 11% and we have ambitious plans to continue to grow our business for the benefit of our colleagues, our customers, our suppliers and the local community. I see lots of opportunities for us, in both our animal health business and our human pharmaceuticals business in Europe and in the US market. Having successfully entered the US Market with our Spot-On product in 2020, next year (2021) Chanelle Pharma will commence construction on a new 25,000 sq ft manufacturing facility for liquid and paste medicinal products for the US market”.
