Savara Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on rare respiratory diseases, announced that Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Dave Lowrance is stepping down from his role for health-related reasons, effective July 15, 2026. The transition involves separating the financial and administrative responsibilities of the role. Robert Lutz, M.B.A., the Company's Chief Operating Officer, will assume the additional role of Chief Financial Officer. Administrative responsibilities will be distributed among members of the senior leadership team.

Matt Pauls, J.D., M.B.A., Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Savara, expressed gratitude for Lowrance's nearly ten years of leadership, noting his guidance through capital raises, the company's Nasdaq listing, and the advancement of its late-stage pipeline. Lowrance will remain available to the company in an advisory capacity following his departure.

Leadership Transition Details

The separation of duties aims to streamline operations as the company navigates this leadership change. Robert Lutz, currently the Chief Operating Officer, will take on the financial oversight responsibilities effective immediately following Lowrance's departure. Pauls highlighted Lutz's background as a two-time Chief Financial and Business Officer and his deep understanding of the company's operations and strategy as key factors for his expanded role.

Key Personnel Changes

Mr. Lutz has served as Savara's Chief Operating Officer since February 2023. He brings more than two decades of operational leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including experience with finance strategy, equity and debt raises, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and business development deal execution. Prior to joining Savara, Mr. Lutz served as Chief Financial and Business Officer of iBio, Inc. and Strongbridge Biopharma plc.