Alkermes CEO Richard Pops to Retire as COO Blair Jackson Steps Up
Richard Pops will retire as Alkermes CEO on July 31, 2026 after leading the company to approximately $1.5 billion in 2025 revenue and overseeing growth to over 2,000 employees. Blair Jackson, Alkermes’ Executive VP and COO, will become CEO on August 1, 2026 and join the board.
1. CEO Succession Plan
Alkermes announced that Richard Pops will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective July 31, 2026. The Board has appointed Blair Jackson, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed him as CEO on August 1, 2026; Jackson will also join the Board at that time.
2. Richard Pops’ Legacy and Ongoing Role
Pops led Alkermes since 1991, guiding its evolution from a 20-employee start-up to a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company with more than 2,000 staff. He will continue as Board Chairman and serve as an advisor, supporting Jackson and the executive team through the transition.
3. Blair Jackson’s Credentials
Jackson has over 25 years of scientific, operational and strategic experience in biopharma, including roles in corporate development and manufacturing divestitures. As COO since January 2021, he contributed to the acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals and the sale of noncore assets.
4. Company Outlook and Pipeline Focus
Under new leadership, Alkermes aims to build on its $1.5 billion 2025 revenue base and advance its neuroscience pipeline, notably alixorexton, which holds Breakthrough Therapy designation for narcolepsy type 1. The recent Avadel acquisition adds an FDA-approved sleep medicine and a commercial team experienced in narcolepsy.