Olema Oncology's CFO departs as interim finance leader steps in

Olema Oncology has announced a leadership change in its finance department. Shane Kovacs, the company's Chief Operating and Financial Officer, will leave his role on January 30, 2026. Until a permanent replacement is found, Dr. Sean P. Bohen will take on the duties of interim Principal Financial Officer.

Kovacs joined Olema in 2020 and has served as both Chief Operating and Financial Officer. He will continue supporting the company in a consulting role until August 1, 2026. Dr. Bohen, who serves as President and CEO, thanked Kovacs for his dedication during this period.

The San Francisco-based biopharmaceutical firm, with operations in Cambridge, Massachusetts, will begin its search for a new Chief Financial Officer immediately. Olema specializes in developing treatments for breast cancer and other conditions. Its lead product, palazestrant, is an oral complete estrogen receptor antagonist (CERAN) and selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), currently in two Phase 3 clinical trials. The company is also advancing OP-3136, a KAT6 inhibitor, now in Phase 1 testing.

Courtney O'Konek, Vice President of Corporate Communications, confirmed the transition plan. The company aims to ensure a smooth handover while continuing its clinical development programmes.

Kovacs will formally step down from his executive position at the end of January. His consulting work will extend until early August 2026. Olema Oncology remains focused on advancing its pipeline, including palazestrant and OP-3136, as it searches for a new financial leader.