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Mark Roithmayr's Impactful Leadership at the ADDF

In a significant announcement from the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF), CEO Mark Roithmayr revealed that he will be stepping down from his position effective December 31, 2025. Roithmayr's decision follows a remarkable nine-year tenure during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization and advancing Alzheimer's research.

Having joined the ADDF in 2017 as its inaugural CEO, Roithmayr has witnessed and contributed to a remarkable transformation. Under his guidance, the foundation not only expanded its scale of operations but also increased its impact within the field of Alzheimer's research. During his time, the ADDF's revenue skyrocketed from $17 million to over $90 million, reflecting a more than fivefold increase. This financial influx allowed the ADDF to enhance its mission-related investments by over 100%, bolstering its capacity to fund critical neuroscience research initiatives.

Roithmayr's leadership was instrumental in securing a historic contribution in 2023 from key figures such as Leonard and Ronald Lauder, which will support the operational costs of the ADDF for the next two decades. This significant funding ensures the continuity of ADDF's groundbreaking research while allowing every donation to be directed towards advancing science and finding solutions for Alzheimer's disease.

The ADDF has always been at the forefront of drug discovery and research aimed at combating Alzheimer's. Roithmayr has played a crucial role in codifying the foundation's three key areas of focus: therapeutics, biomarkers, and prevention. These pillars formed the backbone of the ADDF’s strategy to raise $100 million for its Clinical Trials Fund, which aims to expedite the development of diverse next-generation Alzheimer's drugs targeting the disease's biological underpinnings.

Moreover, Roithmayr ventured into crucial partnerships with Gates Ventures and other philanthropic leaders, generating an additional $100 million for the Diagnostics Accelerator. This initiative advocates for accessible Alzheimer's diagnostic tools and promotes earlier detection, which is vital in evolving the treatment landscape for Alzheimer's.

One of Roithmayr's significant contributions was elevating the Melvin R. Goodes Prize to a status likened to a Nobel Prize in Alzheimer's research. Under his tenure, the prestigious award recognized outstanding contributions, with the 2025 prize awarded to Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Chief Scientific Officer at Lilly.

With Roithmayr at the helm, the ADDF also experienced increased visibility in global media landscapes, conferences, and thought leadership platforms. His collaboration with Dr. Howard Fillit, the ADDF’s Chief Science Officer, has transformed the focus of Alzheimer's research, highlighting the potential of combination therapies and precision medicine—approaches that have successfully reshaped cancer treatment strategies.

Dr. Fillit remarked on the exciting developments in the Alzheimer's field and acknowledged that the ADDF is well-positioned for future advancements. He emphasized that Roithmayr's leadership facilitated the assembly of a talented cohort of partners and staff that would continue the momentum in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

In his farewell message, Roithmayr expressed gratitude for serving as CEO and reflected on the foundation's robust scientific endeavors. He noted the unique position of the ADDF as a nexus of collaboration among academia, biotech, pharma, and philanthropy, all aiming to catalyze change in Alzheimer's research.

As ADDF embarks on a new chapter, the search for Roithmayr's successor is underway, overseen by the ADDF Board led by its Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen. Guiding this transition, Roithmayr will continue to provide advisory support, ensuring a seamless handover of leadership.

In summary, Mark Roithmayr's impactful tenure has not only transformed the ADDF but also significantly advanced the Alzheimer's research landscape, creating pathways filled with hope for countless patients and families affected by this challenging disease.

Founded in 1998, the ADDF remains dedicated to accelerating drug development for Alzheimer's disease, leveraging its venture philanthropy model to fund empirical studies within academia and biotech. The foundation has awarded more than $370 million towards substantive research initiatives, generating remarkable hope within the Alzheimer's community.