Amsterdam, The Netherlands, August 30, 2018 – Kiadis Pharma N.V. (“Kiadis Pharma” or the “Company”) (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announces that Robbert van Heekeren is stepping down as Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, and as member of the Management Board. Scott A. Holmes has been appointed as new CFO. Mr. Holmes, who currently serves as Senior Vice President and CFO at Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, will join the Company following the completion of Nasdaq-listed Keryx Biopharmaceuticals’ recently announced merger with Akebia Therapeutics, which is expected to close by the end of 2018.
Mark Wegter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kiadis Pharma, commented: “I respect Robbert’s decision to pursue his career in another direction and would like to express my sincere gratitude for his tremendous contributions and commitment to Kiadis Pharma during his 10 years with the Company, including the successful IPO on Euronext in 2015, and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
Robbert van Heekeren, commented: “My decision to leave Kiadis was difficult, as I’ve been part of the journey from a small private entity to a public, near-commercial growth company. However, I feel confident I leave Kiadis in a great shape, with a strong successor to my role, and I wish Scott every success as new CFO.”
Arthur Lahr, CEO of Kiadis Pharma, commented: “I would like to thank Robbert for his support and contribution to the growth of Kiadis. Together with the Board, we have carried out a thorough search for a Chief Financial Officer and I’m delighted to welcome Scott to Kiadis. Scott’s experience with leading the finance functions in commercial-stage biotechnology companies, as well as his track record in raising significant capital for publicly listed companies will strengthen our leadership team, and allows us to further build our U.S. presence.”
Incoming Chief Financial Officer, Scott A. Holmes, commented: “I’m excited to join Kiadis Pharma at this crucial time in the Company’s evolution. As the Company approaches the potential approval and commercialization of its lead product candidate, ATIR101, I look forward to collaborating with Arthur, the management team and the Supervisory Board to build a leading fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company.”
Mr. Holmes brings nearly 20 years of life sciences and financial management expertise to Kiadis Pharma. Prior to Keryx, he was Senior Vice President of finance, investor relations and treasurer at AMAG Pharmaceuticals, during a period of high growth driven by acquisitions and public financings. Prior to this he held senior roles at Molecular Biometrics, On-Q-ity and Dynogen. Mr. Holmes started his career at Ernst & Young, in both the Assurance and Transaction Services practices, and while at Ernst & Young he earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He holds a MS/MBA degree from Northeastern University and a BA in History from Middlebury College.
Mr. Holmes will be based in Boston and responsible for Kiadis Pharma’s finance and investor relations functions. He will join the Company’s management team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer. Kiadis will propose to a future shareholders’ meeting that Mr. Holmes be appointed to the Management Board.
Transition arrangements have been made including hand over between the incoming and outgoing CFO and the interim appointment of Paul van Hagen to the Amsterdam-based finance functions. Mr. van Hagen has broad experience with publicly-listed companies. He was previously Senior Director of Finance & Control at Prosensa and BioMarin, Director Group Reporting and Financial Control at Crucell and Senior Manager Audit at Ernst & Young.
