Moderna is strengthening its leadership ranks with the appointment of financial executive Michael McDonnell to its Board of Directors. 

 

McDonnell will also join the Board’s Audit Committee, bringing more than three decades of experience guiding global life sciences and technology companies through growth, transformation, and strategic change.

 

McDonnell’s appointment adds a seasoned public-company finance leader to Moderna as the biotechnology company advances its mRNA platform, expands its pipeline, and prepares for potential new product launches.

 

"Mike brings exceptional financial leadership and strategic perspective developed over more than three decades advising and leading global life sciences and technology companies," said Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chairman of Moderna. 

 

"His experience guiding organizations through periods of growth and transformation, overseeing significant capital allocation decisions, and building high-performing finance organizations will be invaluable as Moderna continues to advance its pipeline and execute on its long-term strategy. We are pleased to welcome Mike to our Board."

 

"I am honored to join Moderna's Board at such an important time in the company's evolution," said McDonnell. "Moderna has established itself as a leader in mRNA science and innovation, with a broad pipeline and a compelling long-term vision. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to help create lasting value for patients and shareholders."

 

"We are delighted to welcome Mike to Moderna's Board," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "His extensive experience as CFO of leading public companies, deep understanding of the biotechnology industry, and proven ability to lead complex strategic and operational initiatives will be an important asset as we prepare for multiple potential product launches and build Moderna for the long term."

 

McDonnell joins Moderna with extensive financial leadership experience, including more than 24 years as chief financial officer of publicly traded companies across the life sciences and technology sectors.

 

He most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Biogen Inc. from August 2020 through February 2025, overseeing key financial and operational functions including investor relations, financial planning and analysis, treasury, accounting, tax, internal audit, procurement, information technology, and business unit finance. Since March 2025, he has served as an advisor to Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

 

Before joining Biogen, McDonnell served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IQVIA Holdings Inc. following the merger of Quintiles and IMS Health. His previous leadership roles include Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Intelsat S.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MCG Capital Corporation, and Chief Financial Officer of EchoStar Communications Corporation.