Anavex Life Sciences Corp. filed a Form 8-K on November 3, 2026, disclosing that its Board of Directors appointed Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D. as permanent Chief Executive Officer, President, and a Board member, effective November 1, 2026.

Key Highlights

  • Permanent CEO appointment: Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D., age 59, was appointed CEO and President of Anavex Life Sciences effective November 1, 2026.
  • Prior interim role: Dr. Kellmeyer had served as the company's Interim CEO since May 4, 2026.
  • Board seat added: Dr. Kellmeyer was simultaneously appointed to the Board of Directors, and the Board was reduced in size from six to five members.
  • Compensation: Dr. Kellmeyer's annual base salary remains at $500,000, with an anticipated annual bonus of 30% of base salary.
  • Independent review planned: The Board disclosed it plans to obtain advice from an independent compensation consultant regarding Dr. Kellmeyer's existing employment agreement and current compensation.
  • Director search underway: The Board disclosed it is commencing a search for an additional independent director to fill the fifth Board seat.

Kellmeyer's Background and Terms of Appointment at Anavex

According to the filing, Dr. Kellmeyer brings over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with executive leadership positions spanning Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Operations, and Medical Affairs. Before being named Interim CEO, she served as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development at Anavex from November 2023 to May 2025, and subsequently as a Senior Advisor to the company until her interim appointment. She also served as Executive Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Aardvark Therapeutics from May 2025 to May 2026 and continues to serve as a Strategic Advisor to that firm.

The filing notes additional prior roles including Group Vice President of Clinical Development at Acer Therapeutics from August 2021 to November 2023, Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at Madrigal Pharmaceuticals from July 2019 to August 2021, and positions of increasing responsibility at Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, and Gen-Probe. Dr. Kellmeyer also served as a consultant to Tunnell Consulting from August 2022 to May 2026 and to i2o Therapeutics from July 2025 to December 2025. Her academic credentials, as described in the filing, include a BS in Biotechnology from Rochester Institute of Technology, a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from SUNY Syracuse, and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester.

The filing states that there are no family relationships between Dr. Kellmeyer and any company director or executive officer, and no arrangements or understandings with any other person pursuant to which she was selected. The registrant is listed on NASDAQ:AVXL. The 8-K was signed by Sandra Boenisch, CPA, CGA, in her capacity as Principal Financial Officer and Treasurer.

What Was Disclosed

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. disclosed the permanent appointment of Terrie Kellmeyer, Ph.D. as CEO, President, and Board member effective November 1, 2026, along with her compensation terms and the Board's reduction from six to five members.