Arcutis Appoints David Topper as Chief Financial Officer

Industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in finance, investment management, and investment banking

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT), a commercial-stage company focused on developing meaningful innovations in immuno-dermatology, today announced that David Topper has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective April 10, 2024. He is replacing John Smither, who rejoined Arcutis as interim CFO in August 2023. Mr. Smither will remain at Arcutis through the end of April to ensure a smooth transition.

“We could not be more pleased to welcome David as chief financial officer at this transformational time,” said Frank Watanabe, president and CEO of Arcutis. “His extensive experience in finance, M&A, and capital markets will be a tremendous asset as we continue to advance the commercial operations of Arcutis and build the leading innovation-driven medical dermatology company. David has worked closely with us on numerous projects over the past four years, so knows both our company and segment well, and coupled with his unparalleled expertise in capital markets, I am confident he will be able to quickly put his stamp on our finance activities.”

Mr. Watanabe continued, “I cannot thank John enough for his incredible service to Arcutis over the past five years. He served as our first CFO, guiding us through a successful initial public offering and has brought an incredible depth and breadth of both financial acumen and dermatology experience from his 25+ year career in the pharmaceutical industry, culminating in now six successive CFO roles and service on multiple boards. His contribution to the success of Arcutis at a critical time cannot be overstated. We wish him well as he transitions to non-operating roles.”

“I am excited to join the amazingly strong Arcutis organization at this time,” said Mr. Topper. “Arcutis has demonstrated consistent success over time, across clinical development, regulatory, business development, and commercialization. With a growing portfolio of commercial assets and another potential U.S. approval on the horizon, Arcutis is well positioned to achieve its patient-centric mission of advancing innovation in dermatology.”

Mr. Topper joins Arcutis from Inmagene Biopharmaceuticals, a global clinical stage pharmaceutical company, where he served as CFO. He has a proven record of leading and advising on capital markets activities including initial public offerings, follow-on offerings, mergers and acquisitions, debt financings, and derivatives. Prior to Inmagene, Mr. Topper held significant positions in various organizations, including serving as a partner for capital markets at General Atlantic and Frazier Life Sciences. He also acted as CFO and board director at Frazier Life Sciences Acquisition Corp. Previously, he served for six years as co-head of Equity Capital Markets, vice chairman, and chairman of the Commitments Committee at J.P. Morgan. Prior to JPM, Mr. Topper was at Morgan Stanley for 22 years, where he held a number of leadership positions including co-head of Equity Capital Markets and managing director. Mr. Topper holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.A. from Duke University.