Every company has a history marked with sentinal moments that define its future. For Alkermes the OUD indication was one of those moments. The arrival and departure of Jim Robinson was another one that has received tons of publicity on this site. Never discussed, but also a sentinel moment for ALKS, was the 2021 departure of the CFO, Jim Frates.
Frates was more than the top bean counter. His 20 year career with ALKS gave him first hand knowledge of our history that few had…or appreciated. And the knowledge extended from the board room to the prescriber’s office. More than once he did field rides with TBMs…an unheard of action by somebody in his position. But it gave him a picture of the market you can only get by being there. That experience allowed him to contribute and influence in ways nobody else could.
Jim has moved on to another role that is personal to him…a company that treats a disease that took a relative. I wish him the best.
Frates was more than the top bean counter. His 20 year career with ALKS gave him first hand knowledge of our history that few had…or appreciated. And the knowledge extended from the board room to the prescriber’s office. More than once he did field rides with TBMs…an unheard of action by somebody in his position. But it gave him a picture of the market you can only get by being there. That experience allowed him to contribute and influence in ways nobody else could.
Jim has moved on to another role that is personal to him…a company that treats a disease that took a relative. I wish him the best.