Explore our expertise, history and people behind our small-molecule development and manufacturing capabilities.
Operating out of two world-class facilities close to Shanghai, China, our pharmaceutical division specializes in the development and scale-up of complex small molecules. We are experts in a broad range of technologies and chemistries, such as nitration, flow chemistry and high-pressure hydrogenation, meaning we can support projects from simple building blocks through to complex cGMP intermediates.
As a company, we are laser-focused on delivering value for our customers and work tirelessly to develop processes that are robust and scalable, whilst always maintaining close control of our costs.
We specialize in the development of innovative routes for challenging early-stage intermediates, offering a level of optimization and control of the chemistry, and a quality of infrastructure, typically associated with much higher operating costs. Our dynamic approach allows customers to adapt their synthetic strategies at an early stage rather than having to rely on predefined platforms or standard chemistry which is not delivering optimal results
PHT was founded in 1993 by our current Chairwoman and CEO, Ms. Lihong Yu. Originally established as a dedicated sourcing partner for speciality chemicals companies, our capabilities expanded through the development of strategic partnerships and joint ventures in China, enabling us to offer a broad range of starting materials and intermediates.
Our expertise further strengthened with the full acquisition of one of our partner sites in 2014, which now serves as the foundation of our cGMP CDMO facility in Shangyu, China. Building on this growth, in 2021 we acquired our process research and development site from Swiss pharmaceutical company Basilea.
Through continued investment and development, these two sites now form our Pharma Business Unit. Together, they provide integrated capabilities spanning milligrams to multi-ton scales across a broad range of chemistries and technologies.
Our success is driven by the experience, expertise, and dedication of our people. From scientific leadership and process development to commercial strategy and global operations, our team brings together deep industry knowledge and a shared commitment to delivering value for our customers. With decades of experience across pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and international business, our leadership team works collaboratively to advance innovation, maintain high operational standards, and support our customers at every stage of their projects.
Lihong Yu is the Founder and Chairwoman of PHT International. After beginning her career with China’s MOFERT and SINOCHEM, she founded PHT with $5,000 and a vision grounded in People, Honesty, and Trust. Under her leadership, PHT has grown into a global business, and she has received awards recognizing women in business, international commerce, international entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership across global markets.
Mike Rigsbee is a seasoned financial executive with extensive international experience across Asia, South America, and Mexico. He has served as PHT’s Chief Financial Officer for over 16 years, leading strategic planning, acquisitions, and cash flow management. He also serves as a Board Member of PHT’s China-based subsidiaries, helping guide financial strategy, governance, operational efficiency, and long-term international growth.
Jordi Robinson serves as Acting Head of the Pharma Business Unit, leading commercial strategy and customer engagement for small-molecule RSM and API projects globally. Working across procurement, development, and operations, he helps customers translate project requirements into clear, executable supply solutions. Known for a pragmatic, customer-first approach, Jordi focuses on responsiveness, transparent communication, and building long-term partnerships through reliable project execution worldwide.
Dai Jun holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering and serves as Site Director of Zhejiang PHT Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. With over 17 years of experience in the manufacture of regulated intermediates and APIs, he is a senior certified safety engineer specializing in production, safety, and quality management. He is committed to advancing site capabilities, supporting innovation, and serving international pharmaceutical customers.
Dr Uwe Steffan leads PHT’s process development and CMC teams at the PR&D site in Nantong, supporting the organization’s expanding CRDMO operations. With more than 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, he brings deep expertise in small-molecule chemistry and catalyst technologies. He holds a PhD in Organometallic Chemistry from RWTH Aachen University and has held leadership roles across manufacturing and research.
Amy Cooper serves as Global Head of HR at PHT, bringing more than 20 years of human resources experience, including nine years with the organization. She oversees international human capital management, including talent acquisition, organizational development, total rewards, and employee relations. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and maintains GPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, reflecting her commitment to HR best practices.
Dana Vestal leads the sales team at PHT, overseeing business development, customer service, and commercial strategic sourcing operations. With 13 years at PHT, she is responsible for driving revenue growth, managing client relationships, and identifying market opportunities across diverse sectors. Dana holds degrees in Chemistry and Marketing, as well as an MBA from Appalachian State University, combining technical knowledge with business acumen.
Dr. Winterfeldt brings 40 years of experience across the life science and specialty chemicals industries, with expertise in executive leadership, strategic enterprise development, business restructuring, and global operations. He has held senior leadership roles in R&D, international operations, and business management, working across the USA, China, and Europe for organizations including Honeywell, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lianhe Tech, and PHT International.
Lihong Yu is the Founder and Chairwoman of PHT International. After beginning her career with China’s MOFERT and SINOCHEM, she founded PHT with $5,000 and a vision grounded in People, Honesty, and Trust. Under her leadership, PHT has grown into a global business, and she has received awards recognizing women in business, international commerce, international entrepreneurship, and authentic leadership across global markets.
Mike Rigsbee is a seasoned financial executive with extensive international experience across Asia, South America, and Mexico. He has served as PHT’s Chief Financial Officer for over 16 years, leading strategic planning, acquisitions, and cash flow management. He also serves as a Board Member of PHT’s China-based subsidiaries, helping guide financial strategy, governance, operational efficiency, and long-term international growth.
Jordi Robinson serves as Acting Head of the Pharma Business Unit, leading commercial strategy and customer engagement for small-molecule RSM and API projects globally. Working across procurement, development, and operations, he helps customers translate project requirements into clear, executable supply solutions. Known for a pragmatic, customer-first approach, Jordi focuses on responsiveness, transparent communication, and building long-term partnerships through reliable project execution worldwide.
Dai Jun holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering and serves as Site Director of Zhejiang PHT Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. With over 17 years of experience in the manufacture of regulated intermediates and APIs, he is a senior certified safety engineer specializing in production, safety, and quality management. He is committed to advancing site capabilities, supporting innovation, and serving international pharmaceutical customers.
Dr Uwe Steffan leads PHT’s process development and CMC teams at the PR&D site in Nantong, supporting the organization’s expanding CRDMO operations. With more than 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, he brings deep expertise in small-molecule chemistry and catalyst technologies. He holds a PhD in Organometallic Chemistry from RWTH Aachen University and has held leadership roles across manufacturing and research.
Amy Cooper serves as Global Head of HR at PHT, bringing more than 20 years of human resources experience, including nine years with the organization. She oversees international human capital management, including talent acquisition, organizational development, total rewards, and employee relations. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and maintains GPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, reflecting her commitment to HR best practices.
Dana Vestal leads the sales team at PHT, overseeing business development, customer service, and commercial strategic sourcing operations. With 13 years at PHT, she is responsible for driving revenue growth, managing client relationships, and identifying market opportunities across diverse sectors. Dana holds degrees in Chemistry and Marketing, as well as an MBA from Appalachian State University, combining technical knowledge with business acumen.
Dr. Winterfeldt brings 40 years of experience across the life science and specialty chemicals industries, with expertise in executive leadership, strategic enterprise development, business restructuring, and global operations. He has held senior leadership roles in R&D, international operations, and business management, working across the USA, China, and Europe for organizations including Honeywell, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lianhe Tech, and PHT International.
