XBiotech Adds Jan-Paul Simard as Co-CEO Alongside Shivaswamy

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XBiotech (NASDAQ: XBIT) said on Saturday that its board has elected Jan-Paul Simard as co-chief executive, working alongside CEO Dr. Sushma Shivaswamy. The change took effect on October 23, 2026. The company is based in Austin, Texas.

"On behalf of the board, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Sushma Shivaswamy and Jan-Paul Simard as co-chief executives," said director Tevi Troy. "Their complementary skills, scientific expertise and shared commitment to our mission position XBiotech to fully realize the potential of its True Human antibody treatments."

Two internal careers

Shivaswamy has worked at XBiotech for 17 years. She held posts as senior scientist, director and vice president of research and development before becoming chief scientific officer in 2017. In that role she oversaw scientific and technical operations, from research and development through antibody production under good manufacturing practices.

In December 2025 she was named interim CEO after founder John Simard retired.

Jan-Paul Simard joined XBiotech in 2012 as a research and development assistant and moved to the clinical development team in 2020. There he helped design studies and write protocols for several clinical trials in pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. He earned an honours degree in chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan.

"As our industry evolves, our approach to leadership must evolve too," Shivaswamy said. She described the appointment as a sign of the company's wish to stay proactive, adapt and focus on execution, and said Simard brings a different perspective and operational continuity that strengthen decision-making. She added that she looks forward to working with him to create lasting value for patients and shareholders.

Simard called it an honor to take the role "at such a decisive moment for XBiotech, especially alongside such an accomplished scientist." In his words, her leadership as interim CEO has positioned the company to take full advantage of its portfolio of drug candidates. He said he looks forward to working with her and the team to advance new therapies.

Source: XBiotech