Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENTA) announced on October 28, 2026, that Jay R. Luly, Ph.D., age 70, intends to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer by February 1, 2027. Dr. Luly has served as the Company’s CEO for 23 years. Following his retirement, the Company expects to enter into an agreement for him to serve as a strategic advisor for the remainder of 2027 to support a smooth transition.
The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for a successor, considering both internal and external candidates. The Company also announced the appointment of Tara L. Kieffer, Ph.D., to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Kieffer, age 48, joined Enanta in 2020 and most recently served as the Company’s Chief Product Strategy Officer. Prior to joining Enanta, she spent 16 years at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in research, clinical development, integrated program management, and business development. Dr. Kieffer has not entered into any material plan, contract, arrangement, or amendment in connection with this appointment.
Dr. Luly stated that after 43 years in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, he has decided the time is right to begin his retirement from full-time executive leadership. Dr. Bruce L. A. Carter, Chairman of the Board, praised Dr. Luly for his distinguished tenure and noted his contributions to bringing forward cures for HCV infection, as well as potential treatments for RSV and immunologic diseases.
