Athersys Announces CEO Transition - Seite 2

“It’s been a privilege to lead Athersys, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together,” said Dr. Van Bokkelen. “Athersys has a wealth of talent and some of the best and most knowledgeable employees in the regenerative medicine space, and I am confident that the Company’s future is bright and remains in good hands under experienced leadership as the Board identifies the right person to guide the Company through commercial launch. I look forward to following the Company’s exciting progress.”

Dr. Kola concluded, “We have great confidence in the strong executive management team that will be continuing to lead the company, consisting of B.J.; John Harrington, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer; and, Ivor Macleod, Chief Financial Officer. All three are seasoned executives with decades of leadership and operational experience. We appreciate that BJ has agreed to step into the role of Interim CEO while we search for a permanent successor. B.J., John and Ivor have made significant contributions to Athersys, and we are confident that it will be a seamless transition as we continue our evolution into a commercial company.”

Mr. Lehmann said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Gil over the years and eager as Interim CEO to carry forward with the Company’s mission to develop the leading cell therapy company while addressing substantial unmet needs in large markets. I, John and Ivor look forward to working alongside the Company’s outstanding Board and management team to advance Athersys on our road to commercialization. We have great confidence in the Company’s strategic plan and in the many opportunities we have ahead of us to deliver value for both patients and shareholders.”

In light of today’s news, the Company’s Virtual Investor Day, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

About William (B.J.) Lehmann, JD

Mr. Lehmann has worked with Athersys since 2001 and has served as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer since June 2006. He has been involved in all aspects of the Company’s operations over the years, including business development, partnership management, finance, clinical development, regulatory, legal and intellectual property management among other things. He has helped develop, negotiate and build most of the Company’s major business relationships, including research & development collaborations and manufacturing among other things. Prior to Athersys, from 1994 to 2001, Mr. Lehmann was with McKinsey & Company, Inc., an international management consulting firm, where he worked extensively with new technology and service-based businesses in the firm’s Business Building practice. Additionally, he was active in the firm’s marketing practice, focusing on both business to business and consumer marketing. Prior to joining McKinsey, he worked at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, a Silicon Valley law firm, and, before that, with First Chicago Corporation, a financial institution. Mr. Lehmann received his J.D. from Stanford University, his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.