Allogene Names Zachary Roberts CEO Effective July 1 After Eight-Year Chang Tenure
ALLO•David Chang will step down as Allogene Therapeutics CEO on June 30, 2026, after eight years and remain on the board. EVP Research & Development Zachary Roberts will become CEO and join the board effective July 1, 2026, having driven the pivotal ALPHA3 LBCL trial since January 2023.
1. Leadership Succession
On June 30, 2026, Dr. David Chang will step down as President and CEO after eight years, and on July 1, 2026, Dr. Zachary Roberts will assume both roles and join the board. This planned succession reflects a unanimous board decision to maintain continuity and strengthen executive leadership.
2. Roberts’ Background and Strategic Role
Since January 2023, Roberts, as EVP of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer, has reoriented the company’s clinical strategy, spearheading the pivotal ALPHA3 trial in first-line large B-cell lymphoma and advancing next-generation allogeneic CAR T programs in solid tumors and autoimmune indications.
3. Chang’s Contributions and Board Role
As a founder, Chang built dedicated manufacturing infrastructure, advanced the first allogeneic CAR T product to match autologous durability and efficacy, and expanded the Dagger® technology platform. He will continue to leverage his expertise in his new board position.
4. Outlook for Allogene
The transition aims to leverage Roberts’ scientific leadership to accelerate off-the-shelf CAR T scalability and broaden patient access, positioning the company to capitalize on its allogeneic platform’s speed, simplified delivery and operational advantages in upcoming clinical milestones.
