Karin Shanahan, executive vice president, chief supply chain & operations officer, oversees product development, quality, manufacturing and supply chain. With nearly 11,000 colleagues around the world, PDS delivers high quality, innovative medicines to patients in over 80 markets around the world.

“As the entity responsible for turning science into medicines, PDS is a key enabler of the company’s ambition to deliver more medicines to more patients faster,” said Karin. “Harnessing the power of innovation to deliver sustainably developed products, with top-tier quality and operational excellence, PDS is a competitive advantage for our company.” 

Karin began her career in the pharmaceutical industry at Bristol Myers Squibb in corporate procurement, global supply chain, and global quality. Karin moved into manufacturing operations, leading two manufacturing sites in Billerica, MA, and Latina, Italy. After almost 14 years with Bristol Myers Squibb, Karin joined Becton-Dickenson as a leader of global operations, followed by Catalent Pharmaceuticals where she led global Biologics operations. In 2013, Karin joined Teva Pharmaceuticals as senior vice president and chief operating officer of global operations, where she built global Manufacturing Science & Technology (MS&T) capability and led a network of 25 sites across Europe and the Americas. Prior to rejoining ww5 in 2022, she served as senior vice president of Global Biologics & Sterile Operations at Merck.

Karin earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in jurisprudence (MSJ), pharmaceutical and device law, from Seton Hall Law School.

Updated: June, 2026