Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc. announced several key leadership changes. Effective January 1, 2023, co-founder and current chief executive officer, Dr. Neal Walker, will transition to the role of chair of the board of directors where he will continue to help guide the long-term strategic direction of Aclaris. Current chair, Christopher Molineaux, will remain on the board and transition to lead independent director.

Dr. Doug Manion will transition from chief operating officer to the role of chief executive officer, while continuing to serve as president. Dr. Manion will also serve as a member of the Aclaris board of directors effective January 1, 2023. Aclaris is also announcing the appointment of Matthew Rothman, J.D. to the role of general counsel and corporate secretary, effective immediately.

Mr. Rothman joined Aclaris in 2018 and has served in a number of roles of increasing responsibility within the legal department, most recently as vice president, legal and compliance. Mr. Rothman began his career as an associate in the corporate and securities group at Dechert LLP. Mr. Rothman received a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Manion joined Aclaris as president and chief operating officer in August 2022. Dr. Manion brings over 25 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in both large and small companies. Prior to joining Aclaris, Dr. Manion served as executive vice president of research and development at Arena Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by Pfizer Inc. Before joining Arena Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Manion served as chief executive officer of Kleo Pharmaceuticals until its acquisition by BioHaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd. Between 2005 and 2016, Dr. Manion served in roles of increasing responsibility at Bristol-Myers Squibb, or BMS, most recently as senior vice president, head of specialty development and head of R&D China and Japan.

During his tenure at BMS, he held leadership roles overseeing global clinical research, clinical development, pharmacovigilance and biostatistics across various therapeutic areas, including virology, immunology, neurology, cardiology, metabolic diseases, genetically-defined diseases and fibrosis. Dr. Manion's previous biopharmaceutical experience included leadership roles at GlaxoSmithKline, DuPont Pharmaceuticals and DuPont Merck Pharmaceuticals.