Kevin Tang, previously Board Chair, became CEO of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals in March 2026 after Peter Greenleaf and his executive team departed on March 20.234
Tang serves as CEO with zero compensation, no salary, bonuses, or equity awards, following shareholder pressure for governance reforms.35
In one of his first acts as CEO, Tang-led Aurinia offered to buy Kezar Life Sciences for about $50 million ($6.95 per share), revisiting a failed 2024 bid via his firm Concentra Biosciences.2
The Kezar deal, if completed, could close in Q2 2026; Kezar has faced struggles including clinical trial deaths, layoffs, and pipeline sale.2
Aurinia's leadership overhaul includes new CFO Michael Hearne, COO Ryan Cole, and Chief Scientific Officer Thomas Wei, consolidating control around Tang-linked executives.1
Aurinia projects $315-325 million in 2026 revenue from LUPKYNIS and advances pipeline like aritinercept (AUR200).14
Sources:
1. https://www.sahmcapital.com/news/content/how-aurinias-tang-led-c-suite-overhaul-will-impact-aurinia-pharmaceuticals-auph-investors-2026-03-29
2. https://www.biospace.com/business/after-missing-kezar-buyout-in-2024-tang-returns-as-ceo-of-aurinia-with-50m-offer
3. https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/aurinia-appoints-kevin-tang-as-ceo-with-zero-compensation-93CH-4575625
4. https://www.auriniapharma.com/press-releases/aurinia-announces-management-transition
5. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260323768542/en/MKT-Capital-Applauds-Aurinia-Pharmaceuticals-Management-Transition