Synergy Pharmaceuticals announced that Gary G. Gemignani has been appointed as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective April 17, 2017. Gemignani replaces senior vice president, Finance, Bernard Denoyer, who will assist in the transition process until his retirement on July 1, 2017.

Gemignani’s career in healthcare spans over three decades, including senior management positions at several pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Biodel (now Albireo), overseeing business and strategic planning, operations and financing activities of the company. During his tenure, Gemignani successfully led the reverse merger with Albireo and managed several corporate restructurings to strengthen Albireo’s overall financial position. Prior to this role, Mr. Gemignani served in senior and executive financial and operational roles with multiple public and private companies including Coronado Biosciences, Gentium, Novartis Pharmaceutical and Wyeth.

“We are very fortunate to have Gary Gemignani stepping into the critical leadership role of CFO as Synergy moves into our next chapter as a commercial company,” said Gary S. Jacob, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Synergy Pharmaceuticals. “Gary brings extensive expertise in financial and operational management, business development and strategic planning to Synergy, and a proven track record of driving significant shareholder value. We look forward to Gary’s contributions as we continue to optimize the TRULANCE launch and efficiently capitalize on this opportunity.”

“I am thrilled to join Synergy at such a transformative time in the company’s history,” said Gary Gemignani. “I look forward to working with Gary and his team of talented, dedicated employees to maximize the value of its core, high value asset, TRULANCE, and leverage the solid foundation it now has in place to drive further growth. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a company that is passionate, highly energized and committed to accomplishing the extraordinary and making a real difference in the lives of patients.”

Gary Gemignani’s appointment as EVP and CFO comes with the announcement of the impending retirement of Bernard Denoyer, senior vice president, Finance of Synergy Pharmaceuticals. Denoyer has been with Synergy from its outset as a public company in July, 2008, and has made lasting contributions to the company.

“Bernard has been an outstanding contributor to our success,” added Dr. Jacob. “He helped build the strong financial foundation that has supported our ongoing evolution from a successful research and development company to a fully integrated commercial organization. We appreciate his dedication to Synergy and are pleased he will continue to serve the company during this time of transition.”