New appointments to Orbia’s pharma leadership team is expected to further enhance the firm’s strategic decarbonization efforts
GLOBAL leader in the development, manufacture and supply of fluoroproducts Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (F&EM), an Orbia Business, has recently announced it has strengthened its pharmaceutical business unit with four new appointments to its senior leadership team.
The strategic appointments include a new General Manager, Global Commercial Director, Technical Manager, and UK Operations Director in the last eight months.
As the pharmaceutical sector looks to the future and navigates the transition to more forward-thinking, high-performing, and environmentally-conscious products, Orbia F&EM says it has risen to this challenge with new leadership, energetic talent and fresh ideas.
Markus Laubscher stepped into the role of General Manager of Orbia F&EM Pharma Business Unit last July (2024), having previously held the position of Director of Circular Economy & Regeneration, marking an exciting new phase for the Company.
In his new role, Markus will oversee the company’s position as the global leader in manufacturing and supplying high-purity and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) medical propellants, such as the well-established Zephex® 134a product and the recently launched Zephex® 152a product, which reduces the carbon footprint of each inhaler by 90% without compromising performance.
Patrick Buckley has also joined the team as Global Commercial Director in December 2024 to oversee the global commercial strategy for Orbia F&EM’s medical propellants business, driving further growth across its pharmaceutical division, which currently serves 174 million asthma and COPD patients annually.
With over 30 years of experience across the chemicals, medical devices, FMCG, and automotive sectors, Jo Graham has been appointed as UK Operations Director, also back in December 2024. Jo’s strong leadership credentials, proven track record in transformational change and in talent development will be crucial in further expanding Orbia F&EM’s pharmaceutical business unit in the UK.
Finally, Darren Bromley-Davenport will spearhead customer technical support for medical propellants having joined as Technical Manager in November 2024, and having previously worked at medical device company, Convatec, and pMDI component manufacturers.
With patient safety at the top of its priority list, Darren will continue Orbia F&EM’s strong 30-year track record through the resolution of customer technical issues, verification testing, and registration with authorities.
Orbia F&EM states it will now continue to complement the team and is actively looking to strengthen its quality control and regulatory teams, in addition to the continuing the roll-out of Zephex 152a and identifying opportunities to better serve its customers.
On the recent appointments, Markus said: “Over the past few months, it has been fantastic to come together as a new team. I have full confidence in our leadership’s ability to drive Orbia’s pharmaceutical business forward.
“Our mission is to provide the highest quality medical propellants, enabling millions to manage their respiratory conditions, further widening access to this vital product globally, and the team is deeply motivated and united by this purpose.
“Looking ahead, the next 30 years will be about tackling climate change while upholding the high quality that patients depend on. With our talented team and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability leadership in the industry.”
