CPHI Pharma Awards 2023 – CEO of the Year Winner: Enrico Zodio, PROCOS S.P.A.

After another year of impressive nominations for the CPHI Pharma Awards our winners were announced at CPHI Barcelona in October 2023. In this series of interviews, we speak to the people and teams behind the award-winning projects, concepts, technologies, and in this case, the CEOs that make a difference. 

Please can you give some background to PROCOS S.P.A. and the aims and goals of the company?

PROCOS S.P.A. stands as a CDMO dedicated to producing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and advanced intermediates for the pharmaceutical industry. Our primary aim is to offer comprehensive support to our partners, not just as a service provider but as integral members of their team. Our commitment to transparency and collaboration fosters a relationship built on trust. Our state-of-the-art facilities, compliance with stringent regulatory standards, and emphasis on advanced techniques ensure successful API development and supply, supporting our partners from preclinical stages through commercialisation.

However, this is not all about us, because PROCOS is not merely a CDMO, it's an ecosystem driven by a philosophy that transcends conventional industry practices. Our commitment to partnership goes beyond providing services; it's about becoming an integral part of our clients' ventures. Transparency and collaboration lie at the core of our operations. We've curated a unique approach that involves the client in every step, ensuring their vision aligns with our development strategies. Our belief in seamless communication, sharing both successes and setbacks, fosters trust and reliability.

You won the ‘CEO of the Year’ Award, please can you tell us about your path to this role and what values you bring to it?

My journey to this role has been characterised by a dedication to balanced and organic growth, combining technological advancement with unwavering compliance. Over the past few years, we've expanded our manufacturing capacity significantly, invested in compliance measures, and embraced cutting-edge technology. These initiatives align with our core values of growth, compliance, and technological innovation. These elements collectively contribute to the success and recognition of PROCOS.

My journey was forged through a dedication to not just leadership but also to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and empowered. For this reason, our company's success isn't solely attributed to technological advancements; it's deeply rooted in our culture. At PROCOS, we believe in empowering our workforce. We prioritise professional development, providing resources for skill enhancement and personal growth. I strongly advocate for a work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and embraces diverse perspectives. 

Have you encountered any challenges in getting to this stage in your career and how did you overcome them?

Challenges are inherent in any career path. Personally, navigating the dynamic pharmaceutical industry presented numerous obstacles. However, each challenge served as an opportunity for growth and learning. Adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach were key in overcoming these hurdles. The pharmaceutical industry is a dynamic landscape with multifaceted challenges: from regulatory hurdles to technological advancements, navigating these complexities requires a resilient approach. I've encountered challenges that demanded adaptability and strategic problem-solving. Overcoming these obstacles was a witness to our team's collective effort and resilience. At PROCOS, we encourage a culture that not only tackles challenges but also learns from them, fostering continuous improvement and growth.

PROCOS states that its people are the key to their success, how do you actively support and nurture the talent at PROCOS S.P.A? 

We firmly believe that our success stems from our people. Our investment in employees extends beyond traditional work structures. Especially considering the pandemic, we've prioritised flexibility, organisational adaptation, and personal growth incentives within our organisation. Our goal is to foster an environment where every individual feels integral, contributing not just to the company's success but to its growth and evolution as well. Empowering our team lies at the heart of our organisational philosophy. It's not just about offering job roles but about creating opportunities for personal and professional development. We've established programmes that encourage skill enhancement, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration. Furthermore, our emphasis on work-life balance, internal survey, and a supportive work culture encourages a sense of belonging and ownership among employees. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued, contributing not just to the company's success but also to their personal growth journey.

What does winning the award mean to you and how will it help you as a company?

Winning the 'CEO of the Year' Award signifies not just personal achievement but also reflects the collective efforts of PROCOS people. It enhances the company's reputation and serves as evidence to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaborative partnerships. This recognition reinforces our dedication to fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

What does the future hold for PROCOS S.P.A? What innovations do you have in the pipeline?

PROCOS's forward trajectory encompasses a strategic roadmap deeply rooted in progressive expansion and a commitment to sustainability.

Building upon this success, our next ambitious leap involves a substantial expansion. The inception of the new production department, R11, is a monumental step forward. Spanning 4 floors and covering 4,000 square meters, this expansion will significantly bolster our production capacity, elevating the entire plant's output to 700 m3. This strategic investment, totaling approximately €80 million, signifies our dedication to growth, innovation, and economic empowerment.

The groundbreaking for R11, started in the second half of 2023, sets the stage for implementation and qualification by 2024, with full operational capacity expected by 2025. This expansion isn't just about increasing production; it's a catalyst for economic development. It creates new employment opportunities, fostering economic growth not only for Cameri Italy, but also for the surrounding cities.

Moreover, embracing the upcoming regulatory changes in 2025, which mandate the production of a sustainability report encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects, PROCOS has been proactive. We've recognised the significance of sustainable practices and have initiated our journey towards ESG compliance. Establishing a dedicated Sustainability Team comprising cross-functional representatives is a testament to our commitment. This team is poised to drive initiatives, monitor progress, and effectively communicate our endeavors and achievements in the realm of sustainability.

Any final comments? 

I'd like to extend once again my gratitude to the entire PROCOS team and to the CBC Group, as our success is a result of the shared values cultivated since 2006. Congratulations to all winners across different categories at the CPHI Pharma Awards. From now we are ready to embark on the GRIT100 journey, our unique philosophy that drives us towards long-term objectives. The essence of GRIT, encapsulating perseverance and passion, fuels our commitment to achieving collective success. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the CBC Group's 100th anniversary and PROCOS's 80th anniversary in 2025, marking yet another milestone in our journey of growth and innovation.

About Enrico Zodio

Born in Padua Italy, in 1965, Mr Zodio’s life has always been directed towards the world of Pharma, but what makes him unique is certainly his ability to adapt, his proud and combative spirit and, above all, his foresight. Mr. Zodio studied at Padova University, Padua, Italy, he earned a degree in Chemistry and after 8 years working for other chemical pharma companies, he finally joined PROCOS in 1999. He spent 10 years working in global sales before becoming the CEO in 2010.