Aquestive Names Thomas Zalewski Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Grants 100K RSUs and 75K Options
Aquestive Therapeutics appointed Thomas A. Zalewski as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer April 2, 2026, with Lori J. Braender remaining Corporate Secretary after nearly eight years in executive legal positions. Zalewski will receive 100,000 restricted stock units and 75,000 stock options vesting over three years under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4).
1. Leadership Transition
Aquestive appointed Thomas A. Zalewski as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, succeeding Lori J. Braender. The transition will take effect on April 2, 2026, with Braender remaining as Corporate Secretary after nearly eight years in executive legal positions.
2. Equity Inducement Award
Under the 2022 Equity Inducement Plan and Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4), Zalewski will receive 100,000 restricted stock units and 75,000 non-qualified common stock options. These awards will vest 25% after the first and second anniversaries of the grant date and 50% on the third anniversary, with options exercisable for ten years at the closing price on May 8, 2026.
3. Executive Backgrounds
Zalewski joins from Day Pitney LLP, where he chaired the Healthcare and Life Sciences practice and advised on M&A, licensing, and regulatory matters. Braender served as Aquestive’s Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary since September 2018, following a 35-year career at Day Pitney.
4. Compliance and Growth Support
Zalewski’s expertise in life sciences law is expected to bolster Aquestive’s corporate governance and regulatory strategy as the company advances its Anaphylm oral epinephrine rescue medication toward FDA approval and expands its CDMO operations.