Alkermes plc filed a Form 8-K on September 16, 2026, disclosing the appointment of Anne C. Whitaker to its board of directors, effective September 14, 2026, and detailing the associated compensation arrangements.

Key Highlights

  • Board expansion: The board increased in size from ten to eleven directors to accommodate the appointment.
  • Initial term: Ms. Whitaker's term is set to expire at the company's 2027 annual general meeting of shareholders.
  • New director equity award: Ms. Whitaker will receive an initial equity grant with an aggregate target value of $600,000, split 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock unit awards.
  • Vesting schedule: The equity award will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to continuous service.
  • Grant timing: The new director equity award is expected to be granted in October 2026 on the company's monthly new hire employee grant date.
  • No committee assignment: As of the filing date, Ms. Whitaker had not been appointed to any committee of the board.

Alkermes Board Seat Added for Anne C. Whitaker: Compensation and Indemnification Terms

According to the filing, the board of directors of Alkermes plc (NASDAQ:ALKS) voted on September 14, 2026 to increase its size from ten to eleven members and to appoint Anne C. Whitaker, with immediate effect. Her initial term will expire at the 2027 annual general meeting of shareholders. The company disclosed that, as of the filing date, Ms. Whitaker had not been assigned to any board committee.

The filing states that Ms. Whitaker will be entitled to an annual cash retainer and an annual equity grant on terms determined in accordance with the processes described in the "Director Compensation" section of the company's definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 6, 2026. In addition, she will receive a one-time new director equity award with an aggregate target value of $600,000, consisting of 50% stock options and 50% restricted stock unit awards. The award is expected to be granted in October 2026, and vesting will occur in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to Ms. Whitaker's continuous service. The exercise price per share for the stock options will equal the closing price of the company's ordinary shares on the grant date, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

The company also disclosed that it entered into a deed of indemnification with Ms. Whitaker, and that Alkermes, Inc., a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, entered into a separate indemnification agreement with her. Both agreements were described as being in substantially the same forms as exhibits filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020. The filing further noted that Ms. Whitaker has not been a participant in any transaction with the company since January 1, 2025 that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

What Was Disclosed

Alkermes plc reported the expansion of its board from ten to eleven members and the appointment of Anne C. Whitaker, effective September 14, 2026, along with the terms of her initial equity grant, ongoing compensation framework, and indemnification arrangements.