BioDuro Taps Industry Veteran Yaohui Ji to Drive CRDMO Expansion
Yaohui Ji brings nearly two decades of leadership experience as BioDuro strengthens its integrated contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) platform for small and large molecule development.
Global CRDMO, BioDuro, has appointed Yaohui Ji as its new Global President, Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) as the company looks to accelerate its integrated service expansion to meet surging industry demand for complex drug development and manufacturing solutions (1).
Ji brings approximately 20 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and CDMO sectors. With a master's degree from Brown University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Science and Technology of China, Ji has gone on to hold senior roles at Roche U.S., Novartis China, and WuXi STA, become an inventor on three international patents, and published multiple scholarly articles in pharmaceutical R&D and compliance.
In his last position as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Porton Pharma Solutions’ global small-molecule CDMO business, Ji managed a USD 300 million division comprising over 1,500 employees across multiple continents to achieve an impressive compound annual growth rate exceeding 50% over three years through targeted expansion and technological innovation.
With his expertise in transforming CDMOs into fully integrated platforms, he aligns with BioDuro’s goal to strengthen its global CMC operations and deliver comprehensive drug development services. “Yaohui brings an exceptional combination of scientific depth, operational excellence, and strategic vision,” said Armin Spura, Chief Executive Officer of BioDuro, in a company press release (1). “His proven track record in scaling global CDMO operations and driving innovation will further strengthen our CMC capabilities and accelerate our mission to deliver integrated drug development to our clients worldwide.”
In August 2025, BioDuro also announced that Christopher Conway, CEO of BioX Cell, was being appointed to its Board of Directors, as part of the company’s efforts to enhance its strategic leadership. With over 25 years of industry experience, Conway will help the company to expand its global footprint (2).
"I'm honored to join the board of BioDuro and collaborate with such a dynamic team. The company's commitment to scientific excellence and global impact aligns perfectly with my passion for advancing drug discovery and development,” commented Conway in a company press release about his appointment (2). “I look forward to contributing to its continued success."
BioDuro is a portfolio company of Advent International, and operates globally from its headquarters in Irvine, California, USA. Operating across seven sites with over 2,000 employees, the company supports clients through every phase of drug development and manufacturing for both small and large molecules. The company covers all stages from discovery to commercial production, including chemistry, biology, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, drug substance synthesis, and drug product formulation.
References
BioDuro. BioDuro Appoints Yaohui Ji as Global President, CMC to Accelerate Expansion of Integrated CRDMO Capabilities. Press Release, Nov. 11, 2025.
BioDuro. Christopher Conway Joins BioDuro Board, Enhancing Strategic Leadership. Press Release. Aug. 20. 2025.