The global immunology firm argenx SE has announced a major change to its top leadership. During the Annual General Meeting held in Amsterdam, the Board of Directors appointed Karen Massey as the new Chief Executive Officer. She takes over from Tim Van Hauwermeiren, who co-founded the business and has led it as CEO since 2008. Van Hauwermeiren will stay with the company in his new role as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
Karen Massey joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in March 2023. Her transition to the top job follows shareholder approval of her position as an executive director on the board. The company stated that roughly 90.9 per cent of its share capital was represented at the meeting. Shareholders voted in favour of all agenda items, including the 2025 remuneration report and the allocation of profits to retained earnings.
Tim Van Hauwermeiren, Chair of the Board of Directors, said: “Karen has earned the full confidence of the Board of Directors and our shareholders. She is a proven leader who has played a central role in shaping argenx’s execution and long-term growth strategy. Karen leads with our responsibility to patients, the argenx culture, and a vision to continue to build our pipeline. I look forward to supporting Karen and the leadership team as argenx enters its next phase of growth.”
The board also confirmed several other appointments for four-year terms. Along with Massey and Van Hauwermeiren, Ana Céspedes and Camilla Sylvest were reappointed as non-executive directors. Pam Klein was reappointed as a non-executive director for a two-year term. Additionally, the board received authorisation to issue shares up to 10 per cent of the current outstanding share capital for the next 18 months.
Argenx remains focused on its mission to help patients with severe autoimmune conditions. The new leadership structure is intended to guide the firm through its next stage of development and pipeline expansion.
