Argenx Announces Leadership Transition

Rare Daily Staff

Argenx, a drug developer focused on rare autoimmune diseases, said Karen Massey, current chief operating officer, will transition to CEO to replace Tim Van Hauwermeiren, who will become non-executive director and chairman of the board of directors.

Peter Verhaeghe, current non-executive director and chair of the board, is retiring. The company said the changes are subject to shareholder approval at its annual general meeting on May 6, 2026.

Massey joined Argenx as chief operating officer in March 2023. She has more than 20 years of experience in the biopharma industry, including in commercial leadership, product development, corporate strategy, and innovation roles.

Prior to joining Argenx, she was with Genentech for more than nine years, where she most recently served as senior vice president of product development and global clinical operations. She previously held various commercial leadership roles across marketing and business operations, including as vice president of the multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica business.

Massey started her biopharmaceutical career in marketing at Pfizer and returned there, after two years as a management consultant at Bain & Company, to take on leadership positions in corporate strategy, sales, and as a commercial lead in Latin America.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney and an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business.

“My ambition has always been to build a strong, independent biotech company for the long term,” said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, co-founder and current CEO. “This transition is the next step in that evolution, and Karen is the right person to lead our company forward. Karen has delivered exceptional impact since joining Argenx three years ago—accelerating Vyvgart’s launch, building a future-proof commercial engine, being a leading ambassador of our culture, and connecting to and inspiring our teams.”