Larimar Therapeutics Appoints President & COO John B. Harlow, Jr.

What Happened

• Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. announced the appointment of John B. Harlow, Jr. as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective September 29, 2026, under a new employment agreement. Mr. Harlow, age 51, joins after commercial leadership roles at Esperion, Melinta, Baudax and other biopharma companies.

Key Details

• Base salary and bonus: initial annual base salary of $560,000; $35,000 cash signing bonus; eligible for an annual bonus with a target equal to 40% of base salary (2026 target prorated).
• Equity grants: option to purchase 800,000 shares (exercise price = closing price on Sept 29, 2026) vesting 25% after 1 year then the remaining 75% in 36 equal monthly installments; 50,000 RSUs vesting in four equal annual installments starting on the first anniversary.
• Severance: if terminated without Cause or for Good Reason (not within 1 year after a Change in Control), Mr. Harlow is eligible for prior-year bonus (if earned), 9 months of salary (monthly payments) and 9 months subsidized COBRA; if within 1 year after a Change in Control, severance increases to 12 months of pay (including target bonus) and 12 months COBRA. Receipt of severance requires signing a release.
• Employment terms: at-will employment; participation in standard employee benefit plans; no family relationships or related-party transactions reported.

Why It Matters

• This is a material executive hire for Larimar’s commercial and operational leadership as the company advances its business; the compensation package (salary, bonus target, sizable equity awards and severance protections) aligns executive incentives with company performance and retention. Investors should note the dilution potential from the large option and RSU grants and the cost of severance/compensation obligations disclosed. The full Employment Agreement will be filed as an exhibit to Larimar’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2026.