Longeveron Appoints New CEO to Lead Pivotal Clinical Trials

Stephen H. Willard brings extensive biotech leadership experience to guide company's stem cell therapy programs

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Longeveron Inc., a clinical-stage regenerative medicine biotechnology company, has appointed Stephen H. Willard as its new Chief Executive Officer. Willard succeeds Than Powell, who served as interim CEO and will remain with the company to support the leadership transition. Longeveron is currently focused on advancing its lead investigational product, laromestrocel (LOMECEL-B®), through pivotal Phase 2b clinical trials for the treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), Alzheimer's disease, and pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy.

Why it matters

Longeveron's stem cell therapy programs have received several important FDA designations, including Orphan Drug, Fast Track, and Rare Pediatric Disease for the HLHS program, and Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Fast Track for the Alzheimer's disease program. The appointment of an experienced biotech executive like Willard is expected to help drive the company's clinical development efforts and potential commercialization of its therapies.

The details

Willard has over 30 years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors, previously serving as CEO of several biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. He has a track record of delivering significant fundraising and strategic collaborations. Longeveron's pivotal Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating laromestrocel as a potential treatment for HLHS is anticipated to produce top-line results in the third quarter of 2026.

  • Willard was appointed as CEO on February 11, 2026.
  • Longeveron's pivotal Phase 2b clinical trial for HLHS is expected to report top-line results in the third quarter of 2026.

The players

Stephen H. Willard

The new Chief Executive Officer of Longeveron, with over 30 years of leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Than Powell

The former interim CEO of Longeveron, who will remain with the company to support the leadership transition and continue his work in the company's ongoing business development activities.

Joshua Hare, MD, FACC, FAHA

The Co-Founder, Chief Science Officer, and Executive Chairman of Longeveron.

Roger Hajjar, MD

The Chair of the Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee at Longeveron.

Longeveron Inc.

A clinical-stage regenerative medicine biotechnology company developing cellular therapies for life-threatening, rare pediatric and chronic aging-related conditions.

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What they’re saying

“I am delighted to welcome Stephen as CEO, particularly at this exciting time in Longeveron's history developing stem cell therapies addressing life threatening conditions in the most vulnerable populations - children and the elderly.”

— Joshua Hare, Executive Chairman and Chief Science Officer, Longeveron (Longeveron Press Release)

“On behalf of the Board and management team, I want to thank Than for his significant contributions over the past six months, stepping in to provide effective leadership and stability through this transition. We would also like to welcome Steven to his new role. We believe his extensive strategic operations and executive leadership experience will help drive Longeveron's future success.”

— Roger Hajjar, MD, Chair of the Board's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Longeveron (Longeveron Press Release)

“This is an extraordinary time for Longeveron and our stem cell therapy laromestrocel. It is an exciting opportunity to be able to join a company with three development programs at the stage of pivotal clinical trials. I look forward to working with the Longeveron team to ensure the long-term success of laromestrocel while focusing on extending our capital runway, and working with potential partners to leverage our stem cell technology for the benefit of patients and shareholders.”

— Stephen H. Willard, CEO, Longeveron (Longeveron Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Longeveron's appointment of an experienced biotech executive like Stephen H. Willard as CEO signals the company's commitment to advancing its promising stem cell therapy programs through pivotal clinical trials and potential commercialization, which could bring much-needed treatments to patients suffering from rare and life-threatening conditions.