ROCKET PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. 8-K

What Happened Rocket Pharmaceuticals (RCKT) filed an 8-K (Item 5.02) reporting that John Militello informed the company on June 24, 2026 that he will resign as VP of Finance, Senior Controller, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, effective July 7, 2026, to pursue other opportunities. On June 30, 2026 the company appointed Joseph Manhede as Principal Accounting Officer, effective July 8, 2026. Mr. Manhede, age 48, has been the company’s Associate Vice President, Corporate Controller since April 2026.

Key Details

• Resignation: John Militello notified Rocket on June 24, 2026; resignation effective July 7, 2026.
• Appointment: Joseph Manhede appointed Principal Accounting Officer on June 30, 2026; effective July 8, 2026.
• Background: Manhede previously served as VP & Financial Controller at Outlook Therapeutics and held senior roles at Amneal, Unilife and Celator; began his career at Deloitte. He is a CPA and holds an MBA from Holy Family University.
• Compensation/Related Parties: No new compensatory arrangements will be entered into with Mr. Manhede; there are no family relationships or related-party transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404(a).

Why It Matters A change in the principal accounting officer affects who is responsible for the company’s financial reporting and SEC compliance. Rocket’s promotion of an internal controller (Manhede) who has held the company’s Associate VP, Corporate Controller role since April 2026 suggests continuity in financial oversight. The filing indicates no new pay deal and no related-party issues, implying this is an internal succession rather than a materially compensatory hire.