Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) Announces Keli Walbert to Join the Board of Directors

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLS) today announced that Keli Walbert will join the Apellis Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Walbert brings more than two decades of biopharmaceutical commercial leadership experience to the Board.

“We are delighted to welcome Keli to the Apellis Board of Directors,” said Cedric Francois, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and co-founder, Apellis. “Keli has a proven track record of successfully bringing novel medicines to patients as well as a respected reputation among industry leaders for her strategic thinking and innovation. Her deep commercial expertise will be invaluable as we continue to reach more patients with geographic atrophy and prepare for a potential launch in C3G and IC-MPGN.”

Ms. Walbert most recently served as executive vice president, U.S. commercial, at Horizon Therapeutics, where she was responsible for driving commercial strategy and organizational development for more than 10 marketed brands across nephrology, ophthalmology, and rare disease, among other therapeutic areas. Prior to this position, Ms. Walbert held numerous roles of increasing responsibility at Horizon, including leading the launch of the blockbuster medicine TEPEZZA for thyroid eye disease. Before joining Horizon, Ms. Walbert held leadership roles at AbbVie, American Medical Association, Abbott, and United Healthcare.

“It is an honor to join this exceptional leadership team at Apellis and support the company’s mission to deliver life-changing therapies for some of the world’s most challenging diseases,” said Ms. Walbert. “I am inspired by the company’s scientific innovation and commitment to patients, and I look forward to leveraging my experience as we work to bring these important therapies to those in need.”

Ms. Walbert has received numerous awards and recognitions including the Luminary Award from the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and the MM+M Women of Distinction Award. She received a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor of the arts degree from University of Louisville.

Ms. Walbert’s appointment expands the Board to seven directors, six of whom are independent.

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