CEO Dr David Stamler Named Managing Director as Founding Chair Retires
Alterity Therapeutics announces significant board changes, including the retirement of founding chairman Geoffrey Kempler and appointment of CEO Dr David Stamler as Managing Director, aligning leadership with its Phase 3 clinical ambitions.
- Founding chairman Geoffrey Kempler retires after over 20 years
- Long-serving director Brian Meltzer also steps down
- CEO Dr David Stamler appointed Managing Director and CEO
- Julian Barbaczy joins as Non-Executive Chair bringing finance expertise
- Board reshuffle supports advancement of lead asset ATH434 to Phase 3
Leadership Transition Marks New Chapter
Alterity Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech focused on neurodegenerative diseases, has announced a pivotal board reshuffle coinciding with its Annual General Meeting on 21 November 2025. The company’s founding chairman, Geoffrey Kempler, who has been instrumental in steering the company from its inception as Prana Biotechnology over two decades ago, is retiring. Alongside him, long-serving director Brian Meltzer is also stepping down after 26 years of service.
Kempler’s departure signals the closing of a transformative era during which Alterity built a robust intellectual property portfolio and advanced its lead clinical asset, ATH434, towards late-stage development targeting Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a debilitating Parkinsonian disorder with no approved therapies. His leadership helped position the company as a recognized player in neurodegenerative research.
New Leadership to Drive Late-Stage Development
In a strategic move to align governance with its clinical ambitions, Alterity has appointed its CEO, Dr David Stamler, as Managing Director and CEO, effective immediately after the AGM. Dr Stamler, who joined the company in 2017 and has over 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, has been pivotal in advancing ATH434 through clinical milestones. His expertise includes guiding three central nervous system drug approvals with the FDA, underscoring his capability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Complementing this leadership transition, Julian Barbaczy has been appointed Non-Executive Chair. Barbaczy brings more than 25 years of finance and investment experience, including significant roles in Australian funds management and leadership positions across several ASX-listed companies. His financial acumen is expected to be crucial as Alterity prepares for the costly and demanding Phase 3 clinical trials.
Strategic Continuity Amid Change
The board changes reflect a measured succession plan designed to ensure continuity while injecting fresh perspectives and skills necessary for the company’s next growth phase. Both Kempler and Meltzer have expressed confidence in the new leadership team’s ability to execute the company’s strategic vision. Kempler will remain involved as a shareholder and consultant during the transition, providing a degree of stability.
As Alterity advances its lead asset ATH434 towards Phase 3 development, these governance adjustments underscore the company’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and creating shareholder value. The appointments signal a readiness to tackle the challenges ahead, including regulatory hurdles, clinical trial execution, and financing needs.
Bottom Line?
Alterity’s board renewal sets the stage for a critical phase in its clinical journey, with leadership poised to navigate the complexities of late-stage drug development.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new board balance the financial demands of Phase 3 trials with shareholder expectations?
- What strategic priorities will Dr Stamler and Julian Barbaczy pursue to accelerate ATH434’s approval?
- Will the leadership transition impact the timeline or design of upcoming clinical studies?
