John Jacobs

President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax

Search every verified John Jacobs interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. John Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer at Novavax, discussed his plans for the company on the STAT biotech podcast "The Readout LOUD" on June 29, 2023. He described his background of over 30 years in the industry, including his previous role as CEO of Harmony Biosciences, and said he joined Novavax because it was transitioning from a 35-year biotech company to a commercial organization with a vaccine technology platform he considered among the best in the world. Jacobs acknowledged the company was struggling financially and had difficulty getting its Covid-19 vaccine to market in a timely manner, but said he was excited by the challenge. Jacobs outlined his approach to turning the company around, stating that he began by assessing the capabilities needed rather than starting with expense cuts, which he compared to "a surgeon cutting with a blindfold on." He also said he aims to avoid overpromising and noted he was proud to be part of the "going concern" language included in the company's filings when he first joined, which publicly indicated the company might not have enough cash to last through the year. He emphasized the importance of being visible, listening, and connecting with employees, and said he would work hard to not let down those who believe in the company.