Avacta Therapeutics Appoints Brian Hahn as Chief Financial Officer

Highlights

• Brian Hahn's Extensive Industry Experience: Over 25 years in senior financial roles within the biopharmaceutical sector, including a pivotal tenure at GlycoMimetics, Inc.
• Proven Expertise in Strategic Financial Leadership: Successfully led an IPO, raised $700M in capital, and developed robust financial frameworks.
• Active Leadership in Bio-Financial Communities: Serving as co-chairman of the BIO Finance and Tax Committee and other influential roles.

Avacta Therapeutics (LSE:AVCT), a leading innovator in next-generation peptide drug conjugates (PDCs) designed to target potent anti-tumor therapies directly to tumors, has announced the appointment of Brian Hahn as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Hahn brings over two decades of robust financial and operational leadership within the biopharmaceutical industry, underscoring his ability to guide companies through critical growth phases. Most notably, he served as CFO and Senior Vice President at GlycoMimetics, Inc., where his leadership was instrumental in the company's successful Nasdaq IPO in 2014. During his 15 years with GlycoMimetics, Hahn spearheaded the development of its finance, accounting, investor relations, and corporate affairs divisions, establishing a legacy of strategic excellence.

In addition to overseeing IPOs, Hahn has amassed a wealth of experience in raising significant capital, securing over $700 million to date. His expertise extends to developing and executing strategic plans, negotiating business development deals, and establishing robust Sarbanes-Oxley-compliant financial control systems. These accomplishments demonstrate his capability to fortify Avacta’s financial strategies as it continues to advance its innovative PDC pipeline.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Hahn remains an active contributor to the broader bio-financial community. He co-chairs the BIO Finance and Tax Committee and the Washington, DC chapter of the Association for Bio Financial Officers (ABFO). Additionally, he has provided insights as part of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies.

Before his transformative role at GlycoMimetics, Hahn held senior financial positions, including Executive Director of Finance at MiddleBrook Pharmaceuticals (formerly Advancis Pharmaceutical) and Senior Accountant at Bering Truck Corporation. His academic foundation includes a B.B.A. in Accounting from Shenandoah University and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland.

Hahn’s appointment underscores Avacta Therapeutics’ commitment to strengthening its leadership team as it continues to innovate in oncology therapeutics. With his extensive background, he is poised to play a pivotal role in driving the company’s financial performance and strategic initiatives forward.