MacroGenics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative antibody-based cancer therapeutics, announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Eric Risser as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 13, 2025. Risser, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2022, succeeds Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., who is stepping down after 24 years at the helm of the company.
Strategic Leadership Transition
The appointment represents a carefully planned succession at MacroGenics, with Risser bringing nearly three decades of biotech and pharmaceutical industry experience. "Eric is a highly strategic leader who brings almost 30 years of biotech and pharmaceutical industry experience, with a track record of value creation, effective portfolio management and creative deal-making," said Bill Heiden, MacroGenics' Chair.
Risser has demonstrated significant value creation during his tenure at MacroGenics, having led the company's corporate development efforts that generated over $1.6 billion in non-dilutive capital since the company's inception. His promotion from Chief Operating Officer reflects his expanding operational and strategic responsibilities within the organization.
Proven Track Record and Vision
Since joining MacroGenics in 2009 to lead business development efforts, Risser has assumed roles of increasing responsibility. His background includes serving as Senior Director in Corporate Development at Johnson & Johnson, where he led multiple licensing and acquisition transactions. Earlier in his career, he held various life science roles across investment banking, venture capital, and strategy consulting.
"My goal is to create an even more focused and capital-efficient biotechnology company that delivers novel, high-value therapies to patients battling cancer," Risser commented. "I will be working closely with the entire executive team and Board to ensure MacroGenics is investing resources where we believe we can generate significant value for both patients and shareholders alike."
Legacy of Innovation Under Koenig
The leadership transition acknowledges the substantial achievements under Koenig's leadership, including the development of three products that have received FDA approval. "Under his leadership, the Company had many successes, including the development of three products which are now FDA-approved," Heiden noted. The company will continue to benefit from Koenig's expertise as he remains as a Director and advisor.
Company Focus and Technology Platform
MacroGenics specializes in developing innovative monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics for cancer treatment. The company generates its pipeline of product candidates primarily from its proprietary suite of next-generation antibody-based technology platforms, which have broad therapeutic applications. The combination of MacroGenics' technology platforms and protein engineering expertise has enabled the company to develop promising product candidates and establish strategic collaborations with global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
The company's current pipeline includes several product candidates mentioned in regulatory filings, including TZIELD, lorigerlimab, and ZYNYZ, which are in various stages of clinical development and regulatory review.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Risser holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.A. from Yale University, providing him with both the business acumen and strategic thinking necessary to lead a complex biopharmaceutical organization. His educational background, combined with his extensive industry experience, positions him well to navigate the challenges of drug development and commercialization in the competitive oncology market.
