#Ireland #Dublin #Jazz Pharmaceuticals #Bruce Cozadd #Renee Gala

Jazz Pharmaceuticals' New Leadership: Renee Gala as CEO

In a significant leadership transition, Jazz Pharmaceuticals has appointed Renee Gala as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This decision was made unanimously by the Board of Directors and will take effect on August 11, 2025. Gala, who is currently serving as the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will assume the role from Bruce Cozadd, the co-founder and long-standing CEO of the company. Cozadd, who has overseen the company since its inception in 2003, will remain active in his role as Chairperson of the Board, ensuring continuity during this pivotal period.

The move comes after an extensive succession planning process led by the Board, which highlighted the importance of finding a leader capable of navigating the company’s journey towards innovation and growth. Gala brings over three decades of experience to the table, having previously held key positions that involved finance, corporate strategy, and development in the biotech industry. In her previous roles at Jazz, she has demonstrated significant leadership, particularly during her time as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, a position she held from March 2020 until her promotion as COO in October 2023.

During her tenure, Gala has played an instrumental role in the company’s transformation strategies, including crafting a business development plan that has notably expanded Jazz's product portfolio, contributing to an impressive revenue growth of nearly 90%. She has also spearheaded efforts that established a robust pipeline, setting the stage for sustainable growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Rick Winningham, Lead Independent Director of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, expressed confidence in Gala’s capabilities, stating, "The Board conducted a thorough and thoughtful search including both internal and external candidates, and we're highly confident that Renee is exactly the right leader to build on Jazz's momentum." He commended her ability not only to manage ongoing operations but also to act as a catalyst for long-term growth.

In response to her new role, Gala expressed honor in continuing the legacy established by Cozadd. She pointed out Jazz's strong market position with an extensive portfolio of therapeutic options for serious conditions, affirming her commitment to creating value for patients and shareholders alike. Gala emphasized the importance of innovation and the need to harness both internal talent and external collaborations to enhance patient care.

Cozadd, who will remain with Jazz in a strategic capacity, reflected on the company's evolution from its founding up to today. He noted, "We have grown into an innovative biopharma company with expanded commercial and scientific capabilities to drive the next phase of our evolution, and a value-rich pipeline poised to reach even more patients than we ever thought possible." Cozadd highlighted Gala's formative role in catalyzing Jazz's growth trajectory, stating he is excited to hand over the reins to her and anticipates great success under her leadership.

Renee Gala's journey at Jazz Pharmaceuticals has been defined by her commitment to patient-centricity and operational excellence. With a B.S. in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, her qualifications extend beyond experience alone. Her strategic insights and hands-on leadership approach put her in a prime position to lead Jazz into its next chapter.

In conclusion, Gala's appointment marks a pivotal point for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. As the company continues to innovate in treatment options for various diseases, her leadership is expected to drive further success. Transitioning from a founder-led company to new leadership underlines Jazz's commitment to its mission of transforming lives through pharmaceutical innovation.