As the freight transportation market experiences notable expansion and external factors continue to disrupt supply chains, the demand for temperature-controlled logistics is burgeoning at an unprecedented rate. This surge is particularly evident within the life science and healthcare industries, where precise temperature management is paramount for preserving the integrity of sensitive goods.
CRYOPDP is a leading figure in life sciences and healthcare logistics, renowned for its exceptional global transport and logistics solutions with a primary focus on expertise in temperature control. Leading the charge is Cedric Picaud, a visionary entrepreneur who embodies resilience and innovation in the field, driving CRYOPDP’s success with strategic leadership.
Cedric embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at 22, founding his own logistics company to support his master’s degree in management. This hands-on experience provided him with invaluable insights into the industry. After gaining practical expertise, he transitioned to a role at DHL. He spent over a decade in various healthcare management positions in this global logistics leader, steadily building his skills and knowledge.
Today, Cedric Picaud is the CEO of CRYOPDP, a respected provider of temperature-controlled logistics solutions for the clinical research and gene therapy markets. His journey from starting his venture to leading a prominent company exemplifies his dedication and expertise.
Leading with Vision
An amalgamation of dedication, innovation, and resilience better defines Cedric Picaud. With over two decades of experience in the Life Science and Healthcare Industry, Cedric specializes in clinical trial logistics, building a comprehensive solution that includes customer service teams, IT solutions, temperature-controlled packaging, cold source supply partnerships, and dedicated operations.
With an impressive educational background and a passion for work, Cedric has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise to create innovative solutions that drive business success.
Milestone: Cedric’s Odyssey
“One of the milestones that I normally like to refer to takes us back to 2017,” shares Cedric. “By that time, a customer requested us to manage the logistics of its susceptible biological samples across approximately 15 Asian countries. It was challenging because the logistics dynamics within these countries, such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, were highly complex. To support this request, we built a logistics solution consisting of a uniform and dedicated platform to serve all 15 countries.”
It took Cedric’s team eight months to build the platform solution, and they were able to manage the logistics of approximately 8,000 biological samples each month across the 15 countries from start to finish. It was a great success for the entire team. “It gave us the knowledge to start replicating this success story and best practices with other customers and geographies and allowed us to learn as a company and as professionals.”
Commitment to Life Sciences
CRYOPDP has emerged as a crucial player in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry, working diligently to ensure the highest standards in temperature control for transport. With the increasing need for temperature-controlled transport and logistics, the demand for creating and implementing new services has grown annually. For example, 70% of CRYOPDP’s cell and gene therapy business is in the US, by around 35% annually. This is one of the specific niches CRYOPDP can support globally.
During the pandemic, CRYOPDP, an expert in temperature-controlled logistics, responded in record time by offering direct-to-patient (DtP) services to ensure the maintenance of critical clinical trials during that period.
“As a company, we support the health industry and care about our patients. We will always adjust, adapt, and create services according to the needs of our customers, partners, and patients,” says Cedric.
Infusing Passion and Purpose: Cedric’s Leadership Approach
Passion and purpose drive everything that Cedric does. “As a CEO, having a passion to support and serve others is essential. You must constantly listen to others to help them; without a passion for doing this, it would be tough,” says Cedric.
As a leader, one must believe the company’s mission and even redefine the ‘why’ of business. At CRYOPDP, the mission is to improve the health of people around the world, which is why its team is dedicated and passionate about its work.
Secret to Success: Building a Diverse and Inclusive Team
In his past twenty years of working in various managerial positions, Cedric has learned that a team’s wealth lies in its differences. “The more that your team varies in values, gender, age, religion, culture, etc., the stronger your team will be in tackling challenges. When team members come from different backgrounds and experiences, they can bring their individual and unique perspectives to the table, and I’ve found that to be incredibly important at CRYOPDP.”
Cedric fosters a culture of innovation within CRYOPDP, encouraging his team to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in cryogenic logistics. He believes in empowering teams to take ownership of their work, creating an environment where ideas are valued and innovation thrives.
“I actively engage with industry professionals, researchers, and experts, fostering collaborations and partnerships to advance the field of cryogenic logistics. This allowed me to create a network of like-minded individuals working together to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.”
Crafting the Road Ahead: Future Vision
Sustainability is a top priority and is an ongoing project for CRYOPDP. The team is focused on analysing, setting, and implementing new processes to improve its carbon footprint. Looking ahead, Cedric shares, “We have a structured plan of action, and we believe that in the next couple of years, we will be able to set the difference. We are neutralising our carbon emissions through afffforestation and carbon avoidance projects, but this is only the first step. We have much to cover to help us get a more sustainable future.”
“If I could inspire a movement in the future, it would be to have people spending just one hour a week contributing to a better world. Whether volunteering for a mission they care about or otherwise, society would be better off.”
As a company, we support the health industry and also care about our patients.
