Bedminster-based Matinas BioPharma Holdings Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced Monday the appointment of Jerome D. Jabbour, co-founder and president of Matinas, to CEO and member of its board of directors, effective immediately.
As part of the transition, Roelof Rongen has stepped down as CEO and member of the board.
“As we look to drive the company forward into its next stage, it is evident that we need to embark on aggressive, yet focused strategies to fully realize the potential value associated with our technology platform. In preparing for this logical transition for some time, Jerry (Jerome) is intimately familiar with our delivery technology and product candidates and has developed valuable relationships and credibility with thought leaders and investors since joining the company in 2013. The board is confident that his vision and direction for the company and demonstrated ability to execute are perfectly aligned with our strategic priorities moving forward. We are sincerely grateful to Roelof for his years of service to Matinas. He was integral in laying the foundation of the company,” said Herb Conrad, chairman of the board of Matinas.
Jabbour is the co-founder of Matinas and served as president since March 2016. Before that, he was executive vice president and chief business officer since 2013.
“I am fully supportive of the transition plan laid out by our board of directors, and I leave the day-to-day operations of the company confident in our clinical development program …. Having successfully led the company to and through our recent positive FDA meeting, it is appropriate for me to step aside as the company prepares for its next stage of growth. Jerry brings strong leadership, experience and continuity to our business, through which his efforts are already well positioned to achieve both corporate and clinical success,” Rongen said.
“I am honored and delighted to be named Matinas’ next CEO and to lead the company during this exciting and critical time. It has been a pleasure to partner with and learn from Roelof since we founded the company together,” Jabbour said.
