William “Bill” Conkling to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer as of February 1, 2022

NEWARK, N.J., Jan. 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rafael Holdings, Inc., (NYSE: RFL), a company focused on discovering and developing novel cancer and immune metabolism therapeuties through its Barer Institute and investment in Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and other early-stage ventures, today announced several changes to its leadership team. William (Bill) Conkling will remain with the Company and assume the responsibilities of Chief Executive Officer from Ameet Mallik as of February 1, 2022.

Bill Conkling has over 20 years of experience specializing in the development and commercialization of novel cancer therapeutics and currently serves as Rafael’s Chief Commercial and Business Officer.  Previously, Bill was Vice President Sales, Marketing, Market Access and Commercial Operations at Immunomedics where he built and led the US commercial organization for the launch of Trodelvy, a breakthrough treatment for patients with triple negative breast cancer. Prior to Immunomedics, Mr. Conkling spent almost 15 years with Novartis Oncology where he held key leadership roles in the development and commercialization of several oncology products, including Kymriah, the first CAR-T therapy approved in the US. Mr. Conkling holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a B.S. from Fordham University.

Dr. Rick Ewing has recently taken on the role of Head of Drug Discovery and will be responsible for expanding the research and development team and advancing our early-stage pipeline. Prior to joining Rafael Holdings, Dr. Ewing spent 21 years at Bristol Myers Squibb, most recently as Senior Director, Small Molecule Drug Discovery. Mimi Huizinga, Chief Medical Officer, will be leaving the company as of January 31, 2022, to pursue other opportunities.

“I am very pleased that Bill will be taking on the role as Chief Executive Officer. Bill is a deeply experienced leader with a successful track record of bringing innovative oncology drugs to market. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead our company as we work to advance, and potentially expand, our early-stage development programs,” said Howard Jonas, Chair of the Board of Rafael Holdings. “Rick’s extensive experience leading teams to deliver development candidates, manage academic collaborations and assess business development opportunities will add tremendous value as we advance our company. We believe our early-stage pipeline has great potential, and Rick will work closely with our world class scientific advisors to advance our programs.”