CRANBURY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKT), a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing a sustainable pipeline of genetic therapies for rare disorders with high unmet need, today announced the appointment of Aaron Ondrey, as Chief Financial Officer, and the further evolution of its corporate leadership team through key appointments with existing team members. These leadership announcements build on and expand Rocket’s preparedness for its planned transition to commercial stage and continued development of its pipeline.
Aaron Ondrey joins Rocket as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, commercial finance, capital allocation and mergers and acquisitions having held multiple finance leadership positions across the pharma and biotech industry. Mr. Ondrey most recently served as CFO of Mirati Therapeutics through the launch of KRAZATI® and the company’s acquisition by Bristol Myers Squibb in January 2024. He brings invaluable expertise to support Rocket’s commercial transition and growth trajectory, notably strong financial acumen and exceptional operational management capabilities. Prior to Mirati, Mr. Ondrey also held senior leadership positions at Arena Pharmaceuticals, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
The key appointments within Rocket’s existing corporate leadership team are as follows:
- Kinnari Patel, Pharm.D., MBA, has been appointed President, Head of R&D and Chief Operating Officer. Dr. Patel will be focused on R&D with oversight spanning research through late-stage development and manufacturing. In addition, she will continue in her capacity as COO, driving company operations aimed toward advancing the company’s key strategic priorities.
- Jonathan Schwartz, M.D., has been appointed Chief Medical & Gene Therapy Officer, with his remit spanning Research and Discovery as well as Clinical Development. Dr. Schwartz will bring deep and seasoned scientific and clinical thought leadership instrumental in continuing to develop and advance Rocket’s current and future pipeline.
- Mark White, MB.ChB, has been appointed General Manager, Commercial Affairs, leading the Medical Affairs, Marketing, Commercial Operations, and Value & Access functions. Dr. White’s extensive drug development and franchise leadership experience, combined with the benefit of bringing these functions together under his leadership, best positions Rocket for long-term success with highly complex therapies aimed at rare diseases.
- Martin Wilson. J.D., has been appointed General Counsel & Chief Corporate Officer, and will lead Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Development. This evolution creates a newly integrated team aimed at advancing Rocket’s corporate strategy, led by Mr. Wilson’s strong legal and strategic acumen and experience.
“Today’s leadership announcements underscore Rocket’s preparedness as we transform from a clinical organization to a commercial stage gene therapy company, notably by expanding our financial expertise with the addition of seasoned finance leader, Aaron Ondrey as our Chief Financial Officer,” said Gaurav Shah, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Pharma. “We are leveraging our team’s deep talent and experience to optimally position Rocket for operational and commercial excellence and look forward to continuing our strong momentum as we advance our leading pipeline for patients living with rare cardiovascular and hematologic diseases.”
About Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCKT) is a fully integrated, late-stage biotechnology company advancing a sustainable pipeline of investigational genetic therapies designed to correct the root cause of complex and rare disorders. Rocket’s innovative multi-platform approach allows us to design the optimal gene therapy for each indication, creating potentially transformative options that enable people living with devastating rare diseases to experience long and full lives.
