Alkermes, a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Ireland, is transitioning to a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Richard Pops is retiring from that role effective July 31, 2026. Beginning August 1, Blair Jackson becomes the company’s new CEO, and will also join Alkermes’ Board of Directors.

Jackson, who has been with Alkermes since 1999, currently serves as the company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. He is also on the Board of Directors of Synchronicity Pharma, a private, clinical-stage biopharma company.

Meanwhile, Pops has been CEO of Alkermes since 1991, four years after the company’s founding. During that time, Alkermes says Pops has led the company to become a leader in neuroscience drug development.

Alkermes Advancing Sleep Medicine

Currently, Alkermes is advancing multiple development candidates related to orexin agonism. Alkermes calls this one of the most exciting new therapeutic categories in neuroscience. One candidate, alixorexton, has been granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S. FDA, for treatment of narcolepsy type 1.

Furthermore, earlier in February 2026 the company completed its acquisition of Avadel Pharmaceuticals. The transaction was originally announced at a price of $2.1 billion in October 2025, increased to $2.37 billion in November. Upon closing the deal, Alkermes said it accelerated their entry into the sleep medicine market. Avadel’s FDA-approved Lumryz is now under Alkermes’ portfolio with the acquisition.

Incoming, Outgoing CEO Reactions

Jackson is “honored to carry forward Alkermes’ legacy of working to address unmet needs of patients living with complex conditions.”

“I appreciate the Board’s confidence in me and look forward to working closely with them,” Jackson said.

In an additional personnel move in September 2025, Alkermes also took on Joshua Reed as Chief Financial Officer.

As for Pops, he will continue as Chairman of the Board, and act as an advisor to Alkermes’ executive team.“

I look forward to continuing to support [Jackson] and the organization in my continuing role as Chairman,” Pops said.