Aptar announced that a familiar face at the company will take the top spot later this year when President and CEO Stephan Tanda retires.
On Sept. 1, Gael Touya will assume the role. He has worked at the company for more than 30 years in Europe, Asia and North America. He has been president of Aptar Pharma since 2018 and has “guided the segment’s transformation into a more comprehensive, science‑driven, and digitally enabled partner to many of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies,” the company said in a news release.
Company leadership credits Touya with expanding pharma technologies and services, having achieved 82% topline growth during his tenure. He also has an understanding of Aptar’s other two business units, considering he previously was president of cosmetics as well as food and beverage, which are now called beauty and closures, respectively.
Tanda will serve as an advisor through year’s end to aid Touya with the transition.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Gael for many years,” Tanda said in a LinkedIn post. “I’ve seen his leadership up close — his curiosity, his judgment, his integrity and his ability to listen. He leads with both rigor and humanity, and he has a deep respect for the teams who make Aptar what it is.”
Tanda also is an Aptar veteran of more than 30 years, and he has been CEO since 2017. In that position, he has led both organic growth and roughly 20 bolt-on acquisitions and investments.
Aptar points out that adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margins expanded from approximately 19% to 22% and adjusted earnings per share grew 67% during Tanda’s time as CEO. Most of the capital was allocated to the pharma segment, helping to establish it as the company’s largest and most profitable.
In February, Aptar disclosed its Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings, reporting a 14% year-over-year increase in sales for the quarter and a 5% increase for the year. Tanda said all three main company segments delivered core sales growth, and pharma’s 10% full-year growth was partially driven by nasal drug delivery technologies.
The company applauded Tanda’s work to accelerate growth internationally and in advancing sustainability efforts. It also cited his commitment to Aptar’s culture.
“It has been my tremendous honor to lead Aptar,” Tanda said on LinkedIn.
