Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. filed an 8-K on November 4, 2026, disclosing a Chief Financial Officer transition effective November 3, 2026, the appointment of an interim CFO, and the appointment of a new Chief Accounting Officer, alongside the announcement of third-quarter 2026 financial results.

Key Highlights

  • CFO departure: Jim Gibson stepped down as Chief Financial Officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer effective November 3, 2026, transitioning to a non-executive advisory role to the Chief Executive Officer.
  • Transition period: Gibson is expected to remain employed through March 31, 2027, continuing to receive his current base salary, bonus eligibility, benefits, and equity vesting during that period.
  • Severance terms: Subject to execution of a separation agreement and release, Gibson is entitled to a lump-sum cash payment of $500,000, less applicable withholdings, plus COBRA premium payments for up to 12 months after the Transition Period ends.
  • Interim CFO appointed: Mark Van Oene, age 54, was appointed interim Chief Financial Officer and principal financial officer effective November 3, 2026, while continuing to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • New Chief Accounting Officer: Bill Meyer, age 64, was appointed Chief Accounting Officer and designated principal accounting officer effective November 3, 2026; he had served as Corporate Controller since August 2026.
  • No compensation change: Van Oene's compensation will not change in connection with his interim CFO appointment, and Meyer's compensation did not change in connection with his appointment as Chief Accounting Officer.
  • Q3 2026 results announced: The company announced financial results for the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2026, with the press release attached as Exhibit 99.1 and furnished but not filed.

Pacific Biosciences CFO Transition: Gibson Out, Van Oene Steps In on Interim Basis

According to the filing, Jim Gibson's departure as CFO of Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) took effect on November 3, 2026. The company disclosed that Gibson transitioned to a non-executive advisory role to the Chief Executive Officer, with an expected employment end date of March 31, 2027, or an earlier date if his employment is terminated for cause. During this Transition Period, the filing states, Gibson will continue to receive his current base salary, remain eligible for a 2026 annual cash bonus payable no later than March 15, 2027, retain access to employee benefit plans, and continue vesting in outstanding equity awards.

Subject to Gibson's execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release following the Transition Period, and his continued compliance with the Transition Agreement and confidentiality obligations, the company disclosed he will be entitled to a lump-sum cash payment of $500,000, less applicable withholdings, as well as COBRA premium payments for up to 12 months. The filing noted these severance payments "will be in full satisfaction of any severance obligations under Mr. Gibson's Change in Control and Severance Agreement with the Company, dated March 31, 2025." The company stated it expects to file the Transition Agreement as an exhibit to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, if executed.

The Board appointed Mark Van Oene, age 54, as interim CFO and principal financial officer on November 3, 2026, while he retains his roles as President and Chief Executive Officer. The filing stated the Board intends to conduct a search for a permanent Chief Financial Officer. Separately, Bill Meyer, age 64, was appointed Chief Accounting Officer and principal accounting officer. According to the filing, Meyer had served as Corporate Controller since August 2026 and previously held the role of Vice President, Finance at Visby Medical, Inc. from September 2019 to March 2026. Meyer holds a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) in California.

What Was Disclosed

Pacific Biosciences filed an 8-K disclosing the November 3, 2026 departure of CFO Jim Gibson, his transition agreement terms including a $500,000 severance payment, the interim CFO appointment of Mark Van Oene, the appointment of Bill Meyer as Chief Accounting Officer, and the furnishing of third-quarter 2026 financial results.