Adial Pharmaceuticals to replace CEO and CFO after 2026 annual meeting
Adial Pharmaceuticals disclosed on August 10, 2026, that it anticipates replacing CEO Cary Claiborne with Chief Development Officer Matthew Davidson and terminating CFO Vinay Shah following its 2026 Annual Meeting. These changes are contingent on stockholder approval of certain proposals. The company also expects resignations from legacy board members and subsequent appointments of new directors, though no definitive determinations have been made regarding the board's final composition.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Adial Pharmaceuticals, Inc. anticipates significant leadership changes following its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, contingent upon the approval of specific proposals by shareholders.
The company expects that the employment of current President and Chief Executive Officer Cary Claiborne will be terminated effective promptly after the meeting if the proposals are approved. Upon termination, subject to the execution of a release, Mr. Claiborne will be entitled to receive severance payments and benefits as provided for in his amended and restated employment agreement.
Chief Development Officer Matthew Davidson, who is also a member of the Board of Directors, is anticipated to be appointed as the Company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer.
CFO Transition
The company also anticipates the termination of Chief Financial Officer Vinay Shah effective promptly after the 2026 Annual Meeting, subject to the same stockholder approval condition. Like Mr. Claiborne, Mr. Shah will be entitled to severance payments and benefits under his amended and restated employment agreement upon execution of a release. A new Chief Financial Officer will be appointed following this transition.
Board Composition Changes
Beyond executive leadership, Adial Pharmaceuticals anticipates changes to the composition and size of its Board of Directors after stockholder approval. This includes the resignation of certain legacy board members upon receipt of approval, with the remainder of the legacy board expected to resign upon replacement with new directors possessing relevant experience.
As of August 10, 2026, the Board of Directors has not made any definitive determinations regarding these anticipated changes.
What specific strategic shifts or operational priorities is Matthew Davidson expected to implement as the new CEO compared to the previous leadership?
How might the simultaneous departure of both the CEO and CFO impact Adial Pharmaceuticals' ongoing clinical trials or financial reporting stability during the transition period?
What criteria will the company use to select the new Chief Financial Officer, and will this role be filled internally or through an external search?



























