Seres Therapeutics appoints Kender as exec chair, interim CEO

Upcoming SER-155 data and $45.8M cash runway frame Seres' shift to microbiome drugs as Richard Kender steps in as interim CEO.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seres Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MCRB), a leading live biotherapeutics company, today announced the appointment of Richard N. Kender as Executive Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Kender, who brings over 35 years of biopharma executive experience, including as Senior Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Licensing at Merck & Co., has served on the Seres Board of Directors since September 2014.

Why it matters

Seres is implementing a focused corporate strategy to advance its live biotherapeutic programs in inflammatory and immune diseases, with a focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and immune checkpoint-related enterocolitis (irEC). The appointment of Richard Kender, an experienced pharmaceutical executive, as interim CEO is expected to help drive the expansion of Seres' live biotherapeutics platform into valuable drug programs and create meaningful partnerships with collaborators.

The details

As part of the leadership changes, Matthew Henn, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, assumes the additional role of President of Seres, and Kelly Brady, M.S., SVP Clinical Development, becomes Seres' Chief Operating Officer. The company continues to advance its preclinical stage live biotherapeutic product (LBP) candidates, including SER-603 for IBD and the Breakthrough Therapy designated SER-155 program for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT). An investigator-sponsored trial of SER-155 in immune checkpoint inhibitor–related enterocolitis (irEC) is expected to report data in Q2 2026.

  • Seres had approximately $45.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2025.
  • The company expects to fund operations through the third quarter of 2026.
  • The investigator-sponsored trial of SER-155 in irEC is expected to report data in Q2 2026.

The players

Richard N. Kender

A recognized business leader with an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry, including 35 years spent at Merck & Co., Inc. He currently serves as Executive Chair and Interim Chief Executive Officer of Seres Therapeutics.

Matthew Henn, Ph.D.

The Chief Scientific Officer of Seres Therapeutics, who has assumed the additional role of President.

Kelly Brady, M.S.

The Senior Vice President of Clinical Development at Seres Therapeutics, who has become the company's Chief Operating Officer.

Stephen Berenson

The outgoing Board Chairman of Seres Therapeutics.

Tom DesRosier

The Chief Legal Officer of Seres Therapeutics.

Marella Thorell

The Chief Financial Officer of Seres Therapeutics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“On behalf of the entire board, I wish to thank Tom and Marella for their continued strong leadership. They provided essential continuity of leadership; drove the organization to advance SER-155 to Phase 2 readiness; and shaped the strategy for the next phase of Seres' development, including the Company's engagement with potential strategic partners.”

— Stephen Berenson, Outgoing Board Chairman (Seres Therapeutics)

“I am excited and honored to lead Seres during a period when we have the opportunity to create life-saving products with meaningful value across a portfolio of highly promising therapeutic candidates.”

— Richard Kender, Executive Chair and Interim CEO (Seres Therapeutics)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.