AtaiBeckley Appoints Michael Faerm As CFO To Lead Financial Strategy As BPL-003 Advances Toward Phase 3, Anne Johnson Becomes Chief Accounting Officer

AtaiBeckley Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing rapid-acting, durable, and convenient treatments for mental health conditions, announced the appointment of Michael Faerm as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 9, 2026. Mr. Faerm brings over 25 years of experience in life sciences, equity research, and investment banking. In his new role as Chief Financial Officer, he will oversee AtaiBeckley’s financial strategy, capital markets activities, and overall financial operations.

Anne Johnson, who has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2024, will transition to the role of Chief Accounting Officer upon Mr. Faerm’s appointment. In this position, she will continue to lead accounting and financial operations, working closely with Mr. Faerm to maintain continuity and operational consistency.

Srinivas Rao, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of AtaiBeckley, welcomed Mr. Faerm to the team, noting his extensive strategic finance experience and deep understanding of the life sciences sector. He emphasized that Mr. Faerm’s leadership will be particularly valuable as BPL-003 advances toward Phase 3 and the company’s broader clinical-stage programs continue to progress. Mr. Rao also recognized Anne Johnson’s continued contributions, highlighting her operational expertise and institutional knowledge as essential for a smooth transition and ongoing financial management.

Mr. Faerm expressed enthusiasm about joining AtaiBeckley at this critical stage, stating that the advancement of BPL-003 and the company’s strong clinical pipeline present an exciting opportunity to shape financial strategy and capital market execution. He noted his commitment to partnering with Anne Johnson and collaborating with the full leadership team to support disciplined operational execution as the company moves into late-stage development.

Prior to joining AtaiBeckley, Mr. Faerm served as Chief Financial Officer at Viracta Therapeutics, Inc., and as Interim Chief Financial Officer at Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc., where he helped lead a $150 million PIPE financing before the company was acquired by Merck. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc., and as Chief Business Officer of Innoviva, Inc. 

Earlier in his career, he held business development and strategic finance roles at Forest Laboratories, Inc., and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. On Wall Street, Mr. Faerm worked as a senior equity research analyst covering the pharmaceutical sector at Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo Securities and as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, executing mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions across the biopharma and healthcare sectors. Mr. Faerm holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, an MS in Civil Engineering from Stanford University, and a BS in Civil Engineering from Columbia University.