US biopharma company Ardelyx has hired Felecia Ettenberg as chief legal officer, replacing Elizabeth Grammer in the role, who is retiring.
Ettenberg joins from Bristol Myers Squibb, where she was deputy general counsel for pipeline to patient global law. At Ardelyx she will oversee its legal, compliance, regulatory and government affairs functions.
Waltham, Massachusetts-based Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharma company that develops medicines for a range of unmet needs, including bowel issues.
Mike Raab, president and chief executive officer of Ardelyx, said: “[Ettenberg’s] deep and thoughtful strategic legal leadership strengthens our ability to execute and accelerate value creation for our shareholders.
“As we continue to build upon our commercial foundation and invest in our pipeline, Felecia’s proven skill navigating complex regulatory environments and partnering across the business will be critical. We are confident she will play a key role in advancing our growth strategy while staying true to our commitment to patients.”
Ettenberg arrives after almost 25 years at Bristol Myers Squibb, working across a number of legal roles. She took up her current role two years ago, having previously been deputy GC for commercialisation and development law, assistant GC and US head of legal, compliance and commercial regulatory affairs, and assistant GC for global compliance and legal, among other positions.
She originally joined in 2001 as a senior counsel from Goodwin Procter. She started her career at Heidell Pittoni Murphy & Bach.
Ettenberg said: “I look forward to collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation to provide thoughtful, practical legal guidance that enables teams to move forward with confidence, navigate a dynamic policy environment and execute on strategic priorities.
“Ardelyx’s mission, vision and dedication to patients strongly align with my passion for helping patients, and I’m very excited by the opportunity to help support the company’s continued success.”
Grammer, meanwhile, is retiring after 16 years with the company and leading its legal department since 2012.
Raab added: “Working alongside Liz for so long has been a true privilege. Her partnership, insight and integrity have had a lasting impact on both me and the organisation. On behalf of the entire company, I want to express my deepest gratitude for her years of service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
Earlier this month, US biotech peer Prothena promoted deputy GC Michael Isaacs to the top lawyer role, replacing Michael Malecek who is departing in June.
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