Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. filed a Form 8-K on November 2, 2026, disclosing the appointment of Menassie Taddese as a Class II director and Audit Committee member, effective that same date.

Key Highlights

  • Board expanded: The Board increased in size from eight to nine members, creating the vacancy filled by Taddese.
  • New director: Menassie Taddese was appointed as a Class II director, with his term set to expire at the company's 2029 annual meeting of stockholders.
  • Audit Committee: Taddese was simultaneously appointed to the Board's Audit Committee, effective November 2, 2026.
  • Initial equity award: Taddese received an initial equity grant of options and restricted stock units with a combined aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $450,000.
  • Annual grant eligibility: Beginning at the 2027 annual meeting, Taddese will be eligible for annual equity grants with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $300,000.
  • Independence confirmed: The Board determined that Taddese qualifies as independent under Nasdaq listing standards, including heightened audit committee independence requirements.

Taddese Appointment Details and Compensation at Xeris Biopharma

According to the filing, the Board of Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS) voted to increase its size from eight to nine members on November 2, 2026, then appointed Menassie Taddese to fill the resulting vacancy. Taddese will serve as a Class II director until the company's 2029 annual meeting of stockholders, and until his successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation, or removal, as the filing states.

The filing describes Taddese's professional background as including a senior advisor role at Emerging Markets Intelligence and Research (EMIR) since March 2023, prior service as President, Emerging Markets at Viatris Inc. from November 2020 to December 2022, and various positions at Pfizer Inc. from June 1997 to November 2020. The filing also notes that Taddese currently serves on the board of directors of Medexus Pharmaceuticals Inc., listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, where he chairs the audit committee. He holds an M.B.A. from the Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University and a B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

In connection with the appointment, Taddese received an initial equity award of stock options and restricted stock units with a combined aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $450,000, under the company's non-employee director compensation program. The filing states that initial equity awards vest in three equal annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service. Annual equity grants, for which Taddese becomes eligible beginning at the 2027 annual meeting, vest in full on the earlier of the first anniversary of the grant date or the date of the next annual meeting. The company also entered into a standard indemnification agreement with Taddese, the filing disclosed.

What Was Disclosed

Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. reported the appointment of Menassie Taddese as a Class II director and Audit Committee member, effective November 2, 2026, along with details of his background, initial equity compensation of approximately $450,000, and independence determination under Nasdaq listing standards.