BioNTech Announces That Ryan Richardson Will Step Down from The Management Board As Part Of Planned Leadership Transition

BioNTech SE has announced that Ryan Richardson will step down from his role as Chief Strategy Officer on the company’s Management Board effective September 30, 2025. He will also resign from his positions as a Board Director at BioNTech Group's affiliated companies. The decision has been made by mutual agreement, as Richardson plans to explore new professional opportunities. A transition process is currently underway to ensure a smooth transfer of his responsibilities to other members of the Management Board.

Richardson joined BioNTech in 2018 and has served as Chief Strategy Officer since January 2020. Over the years, he played a key role in the company’s strategic and financial development. His contributions include leading BioNTech’s Series B financing, managing the company’s Initial Public Offering on Nasdaq, and overseeing private placements and follow-on equity financings, which together raised over $1 billion in capital.

Helmut Jeggle, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, stated, “On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I would like to thank Ryan for his commitment and what he has achieved for BioNTech since 2018. Ryan played a key role in BioNTech’s transition from a private clinical-stage biotech to a publicly listed, fully integrated biotechnology company. Today, BioNTech is well-positioned to establish the next wave of innovations and transform into a multi-product company. We wish Ryan all the best for his future and look forward to seeing his continued success.”

Ryan Richardson, Chief Strategy Officer at BioNTech, mentioned, “I am both humbled and incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the last seven years. BioNTech has become one of the largest global biotechnology companies with a unique portfolio of novel product candidates, a strong balance sheet, and distinctive innovation capabilities. I believe BioNTech is entering an exciting new period and is on a trajectory to become a multi-product company, fulfilling its mission of bringing new therapies to cancer patients. I wish the Company and my colleagues all the best and every success in the future.”

Prof. Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech, mentioned, “From our IPO to strategic acquisitions, Ryan’s valued impact can be seen across many of BioNTech’s key achievements over the past years. He departs with our appreciation for his service during a pivotal period of growth. On behalf of the Management Board, I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next chapter in his career.”

He was instrumental in building the company’s Global Strategy and Corporate Development functions, which supported BioNTech’s international growth and the completion of more than a dozen collaborations and acquisitions. Richardson also led the Capital Markets and Investor Relations departments, helping to expand the company’s analyst coverage and strengthen its global shareholder base. In addition to his executive responsibilities, he has served on the Board of Directors of InstaDeep Ltd., BioNTech’s AI and machine learning subsidiary, since its acquisition in 2023.