Management ChangeMay 12, 2026, 07:06 AM
Achieve Life Sciences Appoints 3 Senior Commercial Leaders
AI Summary
Achieve Life Sciences announced three senior leadership appointments, including Christopher Martin to its Board of Directors, Mark Zappia as Senior Vice President, Commercial, and Jim Willis as Vice President of Sales and Sales Enablement. These strategic hires, who previously worked together on a successful commercial launch at Verona Pharma (acquired by Merck & Co. for $10.8 billion), are crucial as Achieve moves towards the commercialization of cytisinicline. The appointments follow a recent CEO change and a financing of up to $354 million, reflecting a deliberate build-up of leadership. Additionally, Tom King will step down from the Board in June 2026, with Dr. Lucian Iancovici assuming the role of Chairman.
Key Highlights
- Christopher Martin appointed to Board of Directors.
- Mark Zappia appointed Senior Vice President, Commercial.
- Jim Willis appointed Vice President of Sales and Sales Enablement.
- New leaders bring commercial launch experience from Verona Pharma.
- Verona Pharma was acquired by Merck & Co. for $10.8 billion.
- Appointments follow April 2026 CEO change and up to $354 million financing.
- Cytisinicline NDA accepted by FDA with PDUFA date of June 20, 2026.
- Tom King to step down from Board in June 2026; Dr. Lucian Iancovici to be Chairman.