President and CEO picked for Atara Biotherapeutics

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Atara Biotherapeutics Inc. has appointed Pascal Touchon as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors.

Pascal Touchon

Dr. Touchon has more than 30 years of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience, most recently at Novartis Oncology serving as global head, Cell & Gene and member of the Oncology Executive Committee. In this role he was accountable for the Oncology Cell & Gene unit’s financial performance and responsible for all activities including the global launch of Kymriah, securing regulatory approval and reimbursement in major markets, expanding global CAR T manufacturing and technical operations, overseeing multiple new clinical studies and building a strong leadership team.

Before joining Novartis Oncology, Dr. Touchon held leadership roles in research, marketing, general management and business development at various companies including Servier, Sanofi, Glaxo and Glaxo Wellcome.

“We are delighted that Pascal Touchon will be Atara’s next CEO,” says Carol G. Gallagher, Pharm.D., Atara’s lead independent director. “His proven oncology leadership as well as CAR T development and global commercialization experience make him an ideal choice to lead Atara. We are confident that Pascal’s capability to unite cell and gene immunotherapy teams will help to guide strategy and execution in the years ahead and enable Atara to further realize its mission to transform the lives of patients with serious diseases.”

In connection with Dr. Touchon’s appointment, Isaac Ciechanover stepped down from his role as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors.
“When I announced my decision to step down in January, I had agreed to stay on until my successor was chosen,” Dr. Ciechanover says. “I am thrilled with the appointment of Pascal, who I know will lead the company in its next stages of growth.”

In addition, Dr. Dietmar Berger, Atara’s global head of research and development, resigned from the company to pursue other opportunities.