BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Announces Charlie Gayer as Successor to Jon Stonehouse as CEO

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals announced CEO transition as Jon Stonehouse plans to retire in December 2025. Charlie Gayer, current Chief Commercial Officer, will become CEO on January 1, 2026. Gayer played a key role in the commercial launch of ORLADEYO, a $1 billion projected peak sales drug. He will focus on expanding the company's revenue and strategic planning for the sale of BioCryst's European operations.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) has announced a significant leadership change with the retirement of Jon Stonehouse, the company's president and CEO, effective December 31, 2025. Stonehouse, who has led the company for several years, will continue to serve on the board of directors. The board has appointed Charlie Gayer, currently the company’s chief commercial officer (CCO), as the company’s next president, effective August 1, 2025, and next chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2026 [1].

Gayer has a proven track record in the biopharmaceutical industry, having played a pivotal role in the successful launch of ORLADEYO® (berotralstat), a first oral prophylactic therapy for people with hereditary angioedema. ORLADEYO is projected to reach peak sales of $1 billion, significantly contributing to BioCryst's revenue growth [1]. Gayer's appointment reflects the company's strategic succession planning process, aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.

Under Gayer's leadership, BioCryst aims to build on the success of ORLADEYO and expand its revenue streams. Gayer will also oversee the company's strategic planning for the sale of its European operations, a key part of the company's business development strategy [1]. His appointment comes as BioCryst continues to advance its pipeline of small-molecule and protein therapies, targeting difficult-to-treat diseases.

The appointment of Gayer as CEO is seen as a continuation of BioCryst's mission to bring life-changing therapies to patients and create long-term value for stakeholders. Stonehouse, who has been instrumental in the company's growth, expressed his confidence in Gayer's ability to lead the company into its next chapter [1].

References:
[1] https://ir.biocryst.com/news-releases/news-release-details/biocryst-announces-charlie-gayer-succeed-jon-stonehouse-chief
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4475461-biocryst-appoints-charlie-gayer-to-succeed-jon-stonehouse-as-ceo
[3] https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/biocryst-announces-charlie-gayer-to-succeed-jon-stonehouse-as-chief-executive-officer-upon-his-retirement-in-december