John Houston Stepping Down as Arvinas CEO

New Haven-based biotech company Arvinas has begun the search for a new chief executive officer following John Houston’s pending retirement as president and CEO.

Arvinas announced Houston’s decision to retire July 9. He will remain chair of the company’s board of directors following his successor’s appointment.

“I sincerely thank John for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to Arvinas over the past eight years and his commitment to a smooth transition as we identify his successor,” board member and lead independent director Briggs Morrison said in a statement.

“Due to his efforts, the company is well positioned to benefit many patients in the years to come.”

Houston has more than 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, joining Arvinas in February 2017 as president of research and development and chief scientific officer.

He was named president and CEO in September 2017, and was appointed board chair in 2023.

“It has been an honor to lead Arvinas alongside incredibly talented colleagues and a supportive board of directors,” Houston said.

“I look forward to remaining a part of Arvinas as chairperson and I’m confident in the company’s ability to improve the lives of patients with serious diseases through our revolutionary PROTAC protein degradation platform.”