Aptuit Further Invests in Operations, Appoints Key Executives

Aptuit, Inc. plans to invest an additional $100 million in capital projects to expand capacity, improve operating efficiency, and further align its global operations. This follows the completion of two acquisitions, SSCI and EaglePicher Pharmaceutical Services, adding physical chemistry and API development and manufacturing to Aptuit’s capabilities.

“During the last year, Aptuit has experienced organic revenue growth approaching 20% and enhanced our service offering substantially, in part through the strategic acquisition of new technologies, capabilities and a highly-trained employee base,” said Michael Griffith, chief executive officer of Aptuit. “We now plan to emphasize efforts to integrate operations and services, building a global business from the inside out.”

In conjunction with this investment, the company has made several changes to its senior management team. Frank J. Wright has assumed the role of vice chairman, responsible for external value creation and global integration activities. He has also been appointed to the company’s board of managers.

Scott L. Houlton has assumed the role of chief operating officer, formerly held by Mr. Wright, with responsibility for scientific operations, business process improvement, human resources, clinical operations and capital development. Mr. Houlton will be responsible for performance management across all Aptuit business lines globally, with a focus on delivering industry leading client service while achieving industry appropriate financial results.

Michael J. Butler, Ph.D., president, scientific operations, will take responsibility for the company’s technology and innovation investment activities, including R&D, the scientific advisory board (SAB), headed by Stephen R. Byrn, Ph.D., and visioning and implementing capital investments.

Robert G. Burford, Ph.D., managing director, has assumed additional responsibility as chairman of the management committee of Aptuit Consulting, which plans to establish new offices in Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Washington, D.C. Dr. Burford will also lead corporate development activities to acquire a consulting business in Europe, and lead a new management committee comprised of Marc R. Cote, William D. Kerns, Ph.D., David E. Bugay, Ph.D., and Leslie Patmore, Ph.D. Mr. Cote has been promoted to chief operating officer, Aptuit Consulting.

Other changes and promotions include: Ann W. Newman, Ph.D. has been promoted to vice president, R&D, and will chair the company’s technology development committee; Stuart E. Needleman has been promoted to vice president, sales and marketing; Paul F. Skultety, Ph.D., vice president, scientific development, will join the technology development committee; Paul E. Kennedy, Ph.D., director, has been named the interim head of Pharmaceutics in Kansas City; Jane Fraser, Ph.D. has been promoted to senior manager and has been named the interim head of Pharmaceutics in Riccarton; Charles D. Nardi has been promoted to vice president, Aptuit Informatics; Vikram Marla, founder of InfoPro Solutions and the inventor of the Clinicopia software suite, has been promoted to chief technology officer of Aptuit Informatics; John M. Morrison, director, clinical packaging and logistics, has accepted interim management responsibility for all North American clinical packaging operations, reporting to Mr. Houlton; Panos T. Boudouvas has been named to the new position of director, capital development; Frank J. Manzella joins the company as director, corporate development; and Kunal Khattar has been appointed director, corporate development.

Also, Jon E. Tropsa, co-founder of Aptuit, is transitioning from his role as chief financial officer to a part-time role as vice president, special projects. His current responsibilities will be transitioned to Peter J. Adamski, chief financial officer.