Minerva Appoints Jim O’Connor as CBO Ahead of Phase 3 Rolupe-ridone Trial
Minerva Neurosciences appointed Jim O’Connor as Chief Business Officer and General Counsel effective April 21, 2026, replacing departing President Geoff Race who will remain as consultant. O’Connor brings 20 years of legal and business experience, including negotiating over $130 million in financings, as Minerva readies its roluperidone Phase 3 trial.
1. Leadership Transition
Minerva Neurosciences named Jim O’Connor as Chief Business Officer and General Counsel effective April 21, 2026, succeeding President Geoff Race. Race, who joined in 2010 and held multiple executive roles including CFO and CBO, will continue supporting the company as a consultant.
2. Executive Experience
O’Connor brings over 20 years of leadership across life sciences, technology and renewable energy, having negotiated more than $130 million in equity and debt financings, secured a $10 million distribution investment and achieved FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in prior positions.
3. Impact on Rolupe-ridone Development
The leadership change bolsters Minerva’s management as it advances roluperidone into the planned Phase 3 trial for negative symptoms of schizophrenia, reinforcing strategic execution toward potential FDA approval.