Exhibit 99.1
Cerevel Therapeutics Appoints Abraham N. Ceesay as President
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – April 21, 2021 – Cerevel Therapeutics, a company dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the brain to treat neuroscience diseases, today announced the appointment of Abraham N. Ceesay to the newly-created role of president, effective May 3, 2021. Mr. Ceesay brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience leading operations at a number of biopharmaceutical companies, serving most recently as chief executive officer at Tiburio Therapeutics, a privately-held biotechnology company. As president, he will be responsible for developing Cerevel’s commercial capabilities and infrastructure and will oversee corporate strategy, business development, and portfolio and program management.
“Abe brings tremendous experience and a strong track record in building outstanding commercial organizations. His strategic business expertise will ensure Cerevel is set up for success as we look ahead to introducing new therapies to patients with devastating neuroscience conditions,” said Tony Coles, M.D., chairperson and chief executive officer of Cerevel Therapeutics. “He brings exactly the broad leadership capabilities and operating experience that we need at Cerevel as we continue on our journey to become the premier neuroscience company.”
“I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic organization, one that is positioning itself to make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of patients struggling with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and other neuroscience diseases,” said Mr. Ceesay. “I look forward to joining this outstanding team to build the capabilities Cerevel needs for its next phase of growth.”
About Abraham N. Ceesay
Abraham Ceesay has nearly two decades of experience in leading biopharmaceutical companies and commercializing innovative therapeutic products. Abraham previously served as the chief executive officer at Tiburio Therapeutics, a company focused on the development of novel therapies for rare neuroendocrine tumors and endocrine diseases. At Tiburio, Abraham built a fully integrated company that led to the IND enablement of Tiburio’s lead program for a rare neuroendocrine tumor.
Prior to joining Tiburio, he served as chief operating officer at scPharmaceuticals, where he developed and led all operational and commercial aspects of the company. He was integral in raising more than $150 million in private and public capital, as well as closing the company’s initial public offering. Prior to joining scPharmaceuticals, he served as the head of commercial (sales, marketing, and commercial operations) at Keryx Biopharmaceuticals and spent four years at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals as vice president of marketing. At Ironwood, he led the launch of Linzess® and also held responsibility for the management of the U.S. P&L, leadership of the Linzess® brand team, and co-promotion collaboration with Forest Laboratories.
Previously, Abraham was at Genzyme/Sanofi, initially as a field sales specialist and ultimately as the director, Renal Global Marketing, in which capacity he led the global launch of Renvela® and held global marketing responsibility for the company’s renal franchise.
Abraham serves on the Board of Directors for Life Science Cares and Camp Harbor View. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a Master of Business Administration from Suffolk University’s Sawyer School of Management.
