Samir Acharya
President & CEO
Samir is an accomplished pharmaceutical executive with over a decade of work experience in various areas of the pharmaceutical industry. Samir began his pharma career at Trent Drugs (Wholesale) Ltd, learning the pharmaceutical distribution business from the ground up working in the warehouse.
Following graduation from Queen’s University in 2001 he left Canada for Basel, Switzerland to do cancer research for Hoffman La-Roche at their head office. His work there led to a publication in the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
After returning from Switzerland he re-joined Trent Drugs working in sales and operations. He was promoted to increasingly senior positions including Director of Business Development. When Trent Drugs was purchased by AmerisourceBergen he was promoted to Vice President, Health Systems. During his tenure at Trent/AmerisourceBergen he opened up the company’s distribution to the hospital segment, negotiated agreements with tier one manufacturers and hospital group purchasing organizations and grew the revenue into hospitals by over $30 million. Samir’s science background also afforded him the responsibility of the quality department for Trent’s 7 distribution centres where he successfully managed multiple Health Canada GMP and Narcotic Inspections.
Samir joined SteriMax Inc. in 2006 as Executive Vice President overseeing business development and sales/marketing activities, including in/out licensing, acquisitions, product launches, as well as management of key stakeholders. Since then, the company has grown from 4 people and 12 products to 100 people and 90 + products and is now one of the top sterile injectable companies in Canada. In 2020, he assumed the role of President.
Samir holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from Queen’s University.
Mark Lobe
Chief Operating Officer
Mark is a pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years in the industry. Having served as a General Manager within several multi-national organizations, Mark has extensive experience driving strategic direction, P&L accountability, cGMP Operations and R&D. His career progression in operations has afforded him a remarkable understanding of foundational industry requirements in biologics, aseptic fill/finish, solid dose, liquid and medical devices. He is passionate about leveraging this vast experience to align key stakeholders towards common business objectives and to better serve patients and customers.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec and Master of Business Administration degree from Queens University, Ontario, Canada.
Edward Rajasingham
Chief Commercial Officer
Edward is a seasoned executive with a strong knowledge of US and Canadian pharmaceutical industry. He has held a number of progressive roles in sales, marketing and business development both in retail pharmacy as well as manufacturing sectors. He is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at SteriMax Inc. and is responsible for growing the market presence and revenue of SteriMax through strategic alignment of all commercial operations.
His vast contributions in his 25+ year career has been towards leading and motivating teams to ensure Canadians have access to affordable health care and in meeting patients’ needs.
Edward holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Queens University, Ontario, Canada.
Scott Niewland
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Niewland began his career at SteriMax in 2015 and is responsible for Finance, IT, Business Analytics and Risk Management. Scott has over 20 years of progressive experience in Finance and Operations. Prior to joining SteriMax Scott held critical roles in Finance & Strategic Sourcing at Tim Hortons and Rogers. His significant experience and leadership in these roles, supports the continued growth and maturity of the company.
Scott obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration from Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, while he also obtained Academic All-American status as the captain of the Division 1 Golf Team. Upon return to Canada Scott followed his other passion of financial analytics and obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2004.
Ritesh Acharya
Chief Scientific Officer
Ritesh joined the company in 2012 and has evolved into an accomplished pharmaceutical executive while maintaining his professional and practical obligations as a licensed pharmacist. He obtained his Masters of Pharmacy from the prestigious UCL School of Pharmacy in London England, a program that places unique focus on the industrial and research aspects of pharmaceuticals. He then followed this overseas education with 4 years of clinical practice which provided him with a good grasp of front-line Canadian pharmacy practice before joining the organization.
Ritesh spent his early days at SteriMax Inc. on special projects in the areas of Product Innovation, Business Development and enhancing pharmacy services to Canadian Hospitals. This focus enabled him to establish a professional context, and credibility, to our customers and suppliers that only a pharmacist could. Ritesh efficiently learned the critical requirements for advancing the scientific and regulatory capabilities of the organization. This preoccupation has evolved into his present role that includes direct oversight of research & development, technology transfer, regulatory and clinical activities. Ritesh brings a solid dose of entrepreneurial drive, professional expertise and focused leadership to the entire team.
