AtaiBeckley names Michael Faerm as chief financial officer

AtaiBeckley Inc (NASDAQ: ATAI) announced the appointment of Michael Faerm as chief financial officer, effective March 9, 2026. The clinical-stage biotechnology company focuses on developing mental health treatments.

Faerm brings over 25 years of experience across life sciences companies, equity research, and investment banking. He will lead the company's financial strategy, capital markets activities, and overall financial operations.

Anne Johnson, who has served as chief financial officer since 2024, will transition to chief accounting officer when Faerm's appointment takes effect. Johnson will continue leading accounting and financial operations while working with Faerm to ensure operational continuity.

Faerm most recently served as chief financial officer at Viracta Therapeutics Inc. He previously held interim chief financial officer roles at Harpoon Therapeutics Inc, which Merck acquired, where he helped lead a $150 million PIPE financing. He also served as chief financial officer of Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc and chief business officer of Innoviva Inc.

Earlier in his career, Faerm worked in business development and strategic finance roles at Forest Laboratories Inc and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. His Wall Street experience includes positions at Credit Suisse and Wells Fargo Securities as a senior equity research analyst covering pharmaceuticals, and at Merrill Lynch as an investment banker.

Faerm holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, a master's degree in civil engineering from Stanford University, and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Columbia University.

AtaiBeckley's pipeline includes BPL-003 for treatment-resistant depression, which is in Phase 3 planning, and VLS-01 and EMP-01, both in Phase 2 clinical development.

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