Alkermes Sets Leadership Shift with CEO Change in 2026

Alkermes plc announced that Richard Pops will retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 31, 2026. Alkermes’ Board of Directors (the Board) appointed Blair Jackson, Alkermes’ current Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s next CEO, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Mr. Jackson is also expected to join the Board at that time. Following the transition, Mr. Pops will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board and will act as an advisor to the company’s executive team.

“It has been a great honor to serve as CEO of Alkermes alongside so many dedicated colleagues over the years. From the beginning, the evolution of this company has been guided by science and driven by purpose—a commitment to follow the data, act with integrity, make a meaningful difference for patients, and create value for our shareholders. Together, we have built a company with a strong financial foundation, commercial medicines that have reached hundreds of thousands of patients with serious mental illness or addiction, and a compelling opportunity ahead in sleep medicine,” said Mr. Pops. “As I prepare to transition the CEO role to Blair later this year, I do so with immense pride in the company we’ve built and conviction in the company’s growth opportunity ahead. Blair has been a trusted partner to me for many years, and I have great confidence in his leadership as the company builds on its success in the neuroscience space. I look forward to continuing to support him and the organization in my continuing role as Chairman as we enter this next chapter.”

“Throughout Richard’s tenure, his leadership has been defined by strategic clarity, bold decision-making, an unwavering belief in the company’s potential and a profound commitment to some of the country’s most under-served patient populations. His vision shaped not only Alkermes’ strategy and portfolio, but also its culture of integrity, curiosity, and collaboration. The Board is grateful for Richard’s decades of leadership and his continued commitment to the company. We have full confidence in the strength of the organization Richard has built and its potential to continue on its growth trajectory under Blair’s leadership,” said Andy Wilson, Lead Independent Director of the Alkermes Board. “In preparation for this transition, the Board engaged in a thorough and rigorous succession planning process. With his broad skillset and deep knowledge of the business, we are confident that Blair is the right leader to guide Alkermes into its next chapter of growth and impact.”