CDMO Hovione has announced that former CEO Guy Villax will succeed Stefan Doboczky as chairman of the company’s board of directors, effective April 1, 2027. Villax served as CEO from 1997 until 2022 when he stepped down and was succeeded by Jean-Luc Herbeaux. He has since served as a non-executive director. Herbeaux stepped down from the CEO role in May 2026, and the company announced in September that Doboczky, who was then the board chairman, would succeed him.
Headquartered in Portugal; with facilities in the US, Ireland, and China; the family-owned company offers a range of inhalation development and manufacturing services as well as APIs and a range of DPI devices. Earlier this year, Hovione and Industrial Design Consultancy announced the availability of a new single-use capsule-based nasal delivery device available exclusively to Hovione customers.
Hovione board Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Governance and Remuneration Committee Sofia Villax commented, “This is a natural and planned evolution in Hovione’s governance. Guy’s appointment provides continuity and reinforces the long-term perspective that has always guided Hovione. It reflects our family’s commitment to the company, its people, customers and the pharmaceutical industry. We remain committed to building Hovione for the long term and investing in the capabilities and innovation that enable us to contribute to our industry.”
Guy Villax said, “It is an honor to take on the role of Chairman of Hovione. I have spent much of my professional life in this industry and remain committed to its purpose and to the role Hovione can play in advancing it. As chairman, my focus will be on leading the board and supporting management in pursuing Hovione’s long-term strategy and continuing to invest in science, technology and our people. This will help us remain a trusted partner to our customers, through whom we fulfill our mission of serving patients around the world. I look forward to working with the board and management team as Hovione enters its next chapter.”
Read the Hovione press release
