Luciano Calenti moved to Canada in 1972 to build the first API antibiotic plant in Canada. In 1973, Luciano founded ACIC and masterminded the Corporation’s evolution from distribution to research and development, as well as manufacturing in both APIs and Pharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.
Luciano was one of the founders of the Canadian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (CDMA) and served as Chairman for three and a half years from 1985-1988. Luciano is also a founding member of the US GPhA (now AAM) and recently received the life achievement award from the GPhA (now AAM) in 2023.
One of Luciano’s assets for his international suppliers and clients is his knowledge of multiple languages.
With over 35 years in OEM manufacturing business development, Cynthia Masters is known for driving growth through strategic partnerships and portfolio management. She excels at building relationships with Fortune 500 firms and startups, creating a global network that delivers significant revenue.
Cynthia holds a Business and Administration degree with a Sociology minor from the University of Western Ontario. Her blend of strategic and interpersonal skills has enabled her to lead effective business development across varied markets.
Andrew Gall is the Chief Executive Officer of ACIC Equipment Inc. and Chief Operating Officer of ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. He has over 25 years of experience in senior executive roles, focusing on strategy and financial operations. Andrew’s responsibilities have included organizational turnaround, product and service launches, mergers, operational changes, and change management initiatives. His background covers areas such as mergers, change management, general management, finance, business development, strategy, risk management, legal issues, governance, information technology, and human resources. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Toronto, an Honours BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and designations as a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCMA) and Chartered Director (C. Dir.).
With more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Rami Ayoub has worked with various manufacturers and agents, gaining extensive expertise in machinery related to the solid dosage process and end-of-line packaging.
During his career, Rami managed relationships with agents and customers throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and North Africa, where he contributed to business expansion and ongoing growth.
Rami has returned to a new role with the ACIC Equipment team and will continue efforts to expand the company’s portfolio across North America.
Ileana Olivar serves as Vice President of Operations at ACIC Equipment, bringing over ten years of experience in project management, operations, and automation. Her career is distinguished by her successful leadership of major initiatives in automation, manufacturing, and renewable energy—always with a keen focus on boosting efficiency, optimizing processes, and fostering organizational growth.
As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and holding a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Ileana is highly skilled in strategic planning, engaging stakeholders, and guiding cross-functional teams toward shared goals.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is dedicated to achieving operational excellence and providing innovative solutions for ACIC’s clients and partners.
With over 20 years at our company, Cindy Zheng has been essential to the administrative team since 2004. She ensures accurate order processing, billing, and tradeshow coordination. Cindy’s expertise and attention to detail provide consistency for colleagues and clients alike. Her reliability in logistics and invoicing, along with her commitment and experience, make her a valued team member.
Louie is a seasoned Project Manager with over 25 years experience in pharmaceutical equipment design, installation, and execution. He has led global capital projects including plant construction, HVAC integration, WFI/pure steam systems, and automated lines. Louie is well-versed in GMP, validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ/FAT/SAT), and regulatory compliance.
He is recognized for effective teamwork and hands-on project delivery, consistently completing work safely, on schedule, and within budget to support quality medicine production. A member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineers for 30+ years, Louie holds formal mechanical technology training and pursues ongoing professional development.
Kelly is an engineering and management professional with over 20 years of experience in mechanical design, automation, and project management. She holds an advanced diploma from Mohawk College and has worked in the automotive, manufacturing, and custom automation fields.
She excels at matching technical solutions to client needs, leading teams, and delivering projects from concept to completion. Her leadership, engineering skills, and customer focus drive business growth and innovation.
Kellie brings over 12 years experience in the CRO/CDMO industry. Prior to joining ACIC, Kellie was VP, Commercial Operations at Abzena. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis with a concentration in Health Law.
Matt brings over 25 years of global experience in supplying process and packaging machinery to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, as well as consulting on greenfield expansions.
Previously, he owned a water treatment company and managed a microbial genetics lab. He has also lectured and taught at universities and industry conferences worldwide on fermentation, cell culture, oral solid dosage, water treatment, and genetic engineering.
Sarah Hoogmoed brings over 11 years of dedicated service and expertise to her role as Vice President of Scientific Affairs at ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc. Sarah’s journey in the pharmaceutical sector began with a strong academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, culminating in a Master’s degree in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance from Temple University. This educational background, coupled with her hands-on experience, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and quality standards critical to the industry. Under Sarah’s stewardship, the Scientific Affairs division has thrived, achieving milestones in product development and regulatory compliance. Sarah holds a deep-seated belief in the power of science to transform lives and remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all scientific endeavors.
Andrew Gall is the Chief Operating Officer of ACIC Pharmaceuticals Inc and Chief Executive Officer of ACIC Equipment Inc. He has over 25 years of experience in senior executive roles, focusing on strategy and financial operations. Andrew’s responsibilities have included organizational turnaround, product and service launches, mergers, operational changes, and change management initiatives. His background covers areas such as mergers, change management, general management, finance, business development, strategy, risk management, legal issues, governance, information technology, and human resources. He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Toronto, an Honours BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and designations as a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCMA) and Chartered Director (C. Dir.).
William Nightingale is the Vice President of Business Development at ACIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. with over 30 years experience working with API and finished dosage form manufacturers, as well as service providers, within the pharmaceutical industry. William brings a vast knowledge and experience, with an undergraduate degree from UofT and an MBA from Wilfred Laurier University.
Bart Grochowski is the Vice President of Sales at ACIC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Bart brings a wealth of experience in the pharmaceutical industry with over 20 years in business development and commercial sales roles in the United States and in Europe. Bart has a multidisciplinary background in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Informatics. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ and earned his M.S. in Bioinformatics at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia. Bart has completed a Lean Six Sigma certification and has a vast knowledge of science and applied statistics. Bart has lived in United States and Europe throughout his career.
Chris Rayfield has been a valued member of the ACIC Pharmaceuticals team for almost 30 years. He has held various positions within the company of increasing responsibility and currently serves as President of the organization overseeing the Sales and Marketing. Chris is a past Board member of GPhA (now AAM) which is the Generic Pharmaceutical Association Advocacy Group in the USA and also served 3 terms as a Board of Director and Executive Committee Member of DCAT (Drug Chemical and Associated Technology) which is a business development and Trade Organization based in the USA. Chris received his Diploma in Business Administration, Marketing from Sheridan College then went on to receive a Degree of Bachelor of Administration, General Management in 1995 from Lakehead University.
Luciano Calenti moved to Canada in 1972 to build the first API antibiotic plant in Canada. In 1973, Luciano founded ACIC and masterminded the Corporation’s evolution from distribution to research and development, as well as manufacturing in both APIs and Pharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical industry worldwide.
Luciano was one of the founders of the Canadian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (CDMA) and served as Chairman for three and a half years from 1985-1988. Luciano is also a founding member of the US GPhA (now AAM) and recently received the life achievement award from the GPhA (now AAM) in 2023.
One of Luciano’s assets for his international suppliers and clients is his knowledge of multiple languages.
