(PRESS RELEASE) ATLANTA – Alimera Sciences Inc., a company focused on prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, has appointed Rick Eiswirth as CEO, effective Jan. 2.
Eiswirth will also retain his title of president and join Alimera’s board of directors. Alimera co-founder Dan Myers will retire as CEO, effective Jan. 2, and will serve as non-executive chairman of the board and consultant to the company.
“Dan has piloted the company to significant growth and success during his tenure and we thank him for his strong leadership,” said James Largent, current chairman of the board, who will become lead independent director. “The Board and I have the utmost confidence in the leadership of Rick Eiswirth as he assumes the role of CEO. Rick is a veteran of the company and has served as President for three years and CFO since 2005. His outstanding performance in these roles indicates the company is in excellent hands.”
Myers said, “It has been a great honor to have co-founded and led this company over the last 15 years, and I am extremely proud of the value we have created together for patients and customers. I want to thank each of our employees and our partners for their ongoing commitment to helping people with diabetic macular edema and other diseases of the back of the eye. This is the right time for me personally, and for the company, to transition to the next generation of leadership. Rick is the right person for the role.”
Eiswirth said, “I am incredibly excited to assume this new role and am grateful to Dan for his guidance and his confidence in providing me with increased leadership roles here at Alimera. We have a creative, talented team in place that is focused on seeking growth opportunities and maximizing the value of our ILUVIEN asset. The opportunity that lies ahead for Alimera is significant, and the ability to lead this next chapter is both humbling and incredibly energizing.”
As part of the executive transition plan, Largent will step down as chairman of the board and become lead independent director. Largent has served on the company’s board of directors since 2011 and as chairman since 2015.
Phil Jones, current vice president of finance, will be promoted to the role of chief financial officer. Jones joined Alimera in 2015 as the corporate controller and was promoted to vice president of finance in 2016.
Dave Holland, currently senior vice president, sales and marketing U.S., will assume the titles of chief marketing officer and senior vice president, corporate communications and managed markets. Holland co-founded the company with Myers in 2003 and has been with Alimera in various roles since that time.
Philip Ashman, currently senior vice president, managing director Europe, will add the oversight of operations, including quality assurance, manufacturing and logistics, to his role, and assume the titles of chief operating officer and senior vice president, commercial operations Europe. Ashman joined the Company in 2013 as managing director of Europe.
“The growth of Alimera in the future will require great teamwork,” Eiswirth added. “Dave, Philip and Phil have all made valuable contributions to drive Alimera to where it is today, and I am excited for their new responsibilities as the team starts a new chapter for the Company.”
Also as part of the executive transition plan, Ken Green, currently senior vice president, chief scientific officer and global head of research and development, has announced his retirement to be effective March 31, 2019. Green will continue as a consultant to the company.