Exhibit 99.1
Surface Oncology Expands Leadership Team with
Key Executive Appointment and Promotions
Henry Rath announced as chief business officer, Alison O’Neill as chief medical officer and
Jessica Fees as chief financial officer
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Surface Oncology (Nasdaq: SURF), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing next-generation immunotherapies that target the tumor microenvironment, announced today the appointment of Henry Rath as chief business officer, and the promotions of Alison O’Neill, M.D. to chief medical officer and Jessica Fees to chief financial officer.
Henry brings over twenty-five years of experience in the biotechnology industry, with roles spanning corporate finance, strategy, commercial planning, and business development. Prior to joining Surface, Henry worked at TScan Therapeutics, Seres Therapeutics, Amgen, Catabasis and Baxter Biopharmaceuticals. Henry began his career with roles in the banking and consulting industries, focusing on biotechnology with Oppenheimer & Co. and LEK Consulting. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard College and his M.B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“I am delighted to welcome Henry to Surface. Henry brings a wealth of experience and success from his more than a quarter of a century working in the biotech industry. Having also worked in both the corporate and banking arenas, Henry has the knowledge and relationships to help drive value-creating corporate development for Surface. l am glad to have him on our team,” said Rob Ross, M.D., chief executive officer. “I also want to thank Wendy Dwyer for her substantial contributions during her time as CBO and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.”
Surface also announced the following internal promotions of key senior executives.
Dr. Alison O’Neill, who joined Surface in 2018, to chief medical officer. Dr. O’Neill previously served as senior vice president of clinical development. She has over 20 years of experience in clinical research, oncology drug development and clinical neuro-oncology. Prior to joining Surface, Alison held leadership roles in clinical research and development at Radius Health, Synta Pharmaceuticals and at Sanofi in the global oncology division. Before entering the biotech industry, she served on the faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she focused on early-phase clinical studies and treating patients with malignancies of the central nervous system. Alison earned both her bachelor’s degree and her medical degree from the University of Chicago. She completed her residency training at the University of Michigan in neurology and her neuro-oncology fellowship training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Jessica Fees, who has been with the company since 2014, to chief financial officer. Ms. Fees has over 20 years of progressive experience and responsibility in finance and operations, including most recently serving as senior vice president of finance at Surface. Prior to Surface, she served as president of Glide Consulting and held senior positions at Aileron Therapeutics and Tokai Pharmaceuticals. Jessica’s non-biotech experience includes roles with Apple Tree Partners, Old Mother Hubbard, Babcock Power and WR Grace. She began her career at Arthur Andersen as a manager in the attest function. Jessica received a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and earned her CPA in Massachusetts.
