Biotech Health X recently had the opportunity to sit down with Lan Su, the newly appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Lakeside Holding (Nasdaq: LSH). With over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Mr. Su brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his new role. In this interview, we discuss his vision for Lakeside Holding, recent strategic acquisitions, and the company’s future in the pharmaceutical logistics sector.
About Lakeside Holding
Lakeside Holding Limited is a U.S.-based cross-border supply chain solution provider with a unique focus on the Asia-Pacific market. Through two specialized subsidiaries—American Bear Logistics and Hupan Pharmaceutical (Hubei) Co., Ltd.—Lakeside delivers tailored logistics solutions spanning general and specialized sectors.
American Bear Logistics, with strategic hubs in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York, offers customized cross-border ocean and airfreight solutions, connecting Asia-based logistics service companies and e-commerce platforms with the U.S. market.
Lakeside recently acquired Hupan Pharmaceutical (Hubei) Co., Ltd., expanding its service scope and enhancing its pharmaceutical logistics and distribution capabilities within China. This strategic move underscores Lakeside’s commitment to advancing integrated cross-border logistics solutions.
Lakeside Holding & Hupan Pharmaceutical Recent Partnerships
Since acquiring Hupan Pharmaceutical (Hubei) Co., Ltd. in November 2024, Lakeside Holding Limited has significantly expanded its presence in China’s pharmaceutical logistics sector. This strategic acquisition, valued at RMB 4.0 million (approximately US$0.6 million), is anticipated to contribute around US$7 million in annual revenue to Lakeside.
Following the acquisition, Hupan Pharmaceutical has established key partnerships to enhance its distribution capabilities. Notably, it has entered into agreements with Sinopharm Group Hubei Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., to provide essential medicine storage, transportation, and logistics services. These contracts not only strengthen Lakeside’s logistics infrastructure but also expand its reach within China’s growing pharmaceutical market.
In addition, Lakeside recently signed a US$1.5 million sales agreement with the Sinopharm Group subsidiary, further solidifying its collaboration with one of China’s largest healthcare companies. This agreement involves the provision of advanced logistics services and pharmaceutical product distribution, emphasizing Lakeside’s role as a trusted partner in the healthcare supply chain.
Hupan Pharmaceutical has also secured distribution agreements with Hubei Kelun Pharmaceutical Trading Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under these agreements, Hupan will distribute large-volume parenteral solutions and related medical products to healthcare institutions across China. Additionally, Lakeside’s partnership with Huiyu Pharmaceutical has expanded their capabilities in oncology drug distribution, including the delivery of Pemetrexed Disodium for Injection for conditions like non-small cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. These partnerships underscore Hupan’s dedication to addressing the logistical demands of modern healthcare.
Most recently, Lakeside secured additional distribution agreements with Kelun Pharmaceutical to further support the distribution of intravenous solutions and injectable products. These new contracts are anticipated to contribute an additional RMB 2.5 million (approximately US$350,000) in revenue and extend Lakeside’s reach in delivering essential medical products to healthcare facilities across China.
Through these strategic alliances and agreements, Lakeside Holding and Hupan Pharmaceutical continue to strengthen their market position in China’s pharmaceutical logistics sector, delivering innovative solutions and enhancing access to critical healthcare products.
About Lan Su, Lakeside Holding Chief Operating Officer
Lan Su is a distinguished leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with over 15 years of experience in sales management and strategic development. As Chief Operating Officer of Lakeside Holding, he brings a wealth of expertise in team leadership, market expansion, and operational excellence.
Mr. Su’s career began with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Automation from Wuhan University of Technology. He then joined Hubei Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Sichuan Kelun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., located in Xiantao, Hubei Province.
At Hubei Kelun, Mr. Su advanced from Senior Sales Representative to Eastern Region Sales Director, overseeing a team of over 20 professionals across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, ophthalmology, and anti-infection. Under his leadership, the team consistently exceeded sales targets, achieving annual growth rates surpassing 45%.
Mr. Su’s strategic initiatives at Hubei Kelun included the development of a VIP relationship management platform, which enhanced market efficiency and resource allocation. He also played a pivotal role in transitioning the company from centralized to divisional management which increased organizational agility. His efforts in establishing high-level partnerships with government entities led to significant projects, such as the establishment of an R&D center and a raw materials pharmaceutical factory.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Lan was awarded “Employee of the Year” at Hubei Kelun in 2017. His deep understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape in Hubei Province, combined with his strategic vision and leadership, positions him as a pioneer in the industry and a driving force behind Lakeside Holding’s growth and success in the pharmaceutical sector.
Congratulations on your appointment as COO of Lakeside Holding. Can you share your initial thoughts upon taking on this role?
Lan Su: Thank you. I’m excited to be joining Lakeside Holding at this moment. The company’s focus on innovation and quality matches my own values. This role comes with big responsibilities but also big opportunities. Lakeside Holding is prepared to make a big impact in the pharma logistics industry and I’m looking forward to utilizing my experience to drive operational efficiency, strategic growth and further cement our position as industry leader. I will build on our existing strengths and look for new value creation opportunities.
Speaking of expansion, Lakeside Holding recently acquired Hupan Pharmaceutical (Hubei) Co., Ltd. Could you elaborate on the significance of this acquisition? What does it mean for the company’s long-term strategy?
Lan Su: Of course. Hupan Pharmaceutical is a key part of our overall strategy. This acquisition strengthens our presence in China’s fast growing medical logistics market which is a key to Lakeside Holding’s long term goals. Hupan has deep expertise in pharmaceutical distribution and already has established partnerships with major hospitals including Sinopharm Group Hubei. By integrating Hupan’s capabilities we get an extensive distribution network and critical infrastructure to enhance service delivery, reduce lead time and expand our geographic reach. Financially the acquisition is expected to contribute around US$7 million in annual revenue which is immediate value. But more importantly it lays the foundation for future growth as we scale up and enter new markets across Asia.
Integrating a new acquisition can come with challenges. How do you envision integrating Hupan Pharmaceutical’s operations with Lakeside Holding’s existing framework? Are there specific synergies you plan to achieve?
Lan Su: Integration is always a tough phase and we will focus on making it a smooth and efficient process to maximize synergy. First, we are conducting a comprehensive operational review to identify areas to align. Hupan’s expertise in handling special pharmaceuticals will complement Lakeside Holding’s existing strengths in cold chain logistics and last mile delivery. We need to harmonize processes such as inventory management, compliance protocols and service delivery standards to ensure smooth operations. We will also invest in advanced logistics technologies such as AI-driven predictive analytics and IoT-enabled monitoring systems to optimize supply chain visibility, enhance tracking capabilities and improve overall efficiency. This integration is not just about streamlining operations but also about upgrading the service we offer to our customers.
With your experience in pharmaceutical logistics, what are your strategic priorities for Lakeside Holding in the next 3 to 5 years?
Lan Su: Our goal is clear: we want to make Lakeside Holding the number one pharmaceutical logistics provider in Asia. In the next few years, we will focus on three areas:
- Service Expansion: We will expand and strengthen our service offerings to include end-to-end supply chain solutions like warehousing, cold chain logistics and last mile delivery for temperature controlled pharmaceuticals.
- Technology Innovation: We will invest in digitalization. Blockchain for traceability, AI for predictive logistics and automated warehousing systems will help us to be agile, reduce cost and increase customer satisfaction.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration is key. We will partner with emerging biotech companies, healthcare providers and government agencies to create integrated logistics solutions for the evolving healthcare industry. By doing so we can scale sustainably.
The pharmaceutical logistics sector faces significant challenges, including global supply chain disruptions. How will Lakeside Holding navigate these hurdles to remain competitive and resilient?
Lan Su: Resilience and flexibility is at the core of our strategy. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains and we want to mitigate those risks in the future. To do this we are taking the following steps:
- Infrastructure: We will expand our warehousing and set up redundant distribution hubs in strategic locations to avoid single point of failure.
- Technology: We will implement real-time tracking systems and predictive tools to increase visibility so we can see disruptions coming and respond fast.
- Stronger Relationships: We will work closer with suppliers, manufacturers and customers to increase transparency and trust. We are also looking into working with local partners to regionalize parts of our supply chain so we can reduce our reliance on international networks during a crisis.
In short we are building a resilient technology driven logistics infrastructure that makes Lakeside Holding a trusted partner that can deliver value consistently, no matter what.
Can you share any upcoming projects or innovations Lakeside Holding is particularly excited about?
Lan Su: We have a few things we’re really excited about. One of them is the expansion of our cold chain logistics capabilities. As demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals like vaccines and biologics grows, we’re building out our infrastructure to support this segment. That means developing state-of-the-art temperature-controlled storage facilities and integrating IoT sensors to monitor the environment.
Another project we’re working on is partnering with biotech startups. We know that emerging biopharma companies often struggle with logistics as they scale and we want to provide customized solutions to support their growth. For example, we’re piloting a logistics platform for small to mid-sized biotech companies to streamline their supply chain management so they can focus on R&D.
And we’re looking at sustainability too – energy efficient logistics and reducing carbon footprint in transportation. As a leader in the industry we think we have a responsibility to grow and be green.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with Lakeside Holding’s stakeholders, partners, and clients?
Lan Su: To our stakeholders, partners and customers, I want to reiterate our unshakeable commitment to excellence, innovation and growth. We will deliver reliable and high quality logistics solutions for the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Our team and our vision will help us achieve great things in the years to come. We are excited about what’s ahead and confident we can deliver long term value to all who rely on us. Together we will build a future that reflects our shared purpose of making healthcare better.
Biotech Health X thanks Mr. Su for sharing his insights and looks forward to witnessing Lakeside Holding’s continued growth under his leadership.