NKMAX Begins Formation of US Subsidiary Board... Enters Final Merger Procedures

NKMax has entered the final stages of the SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) listing process for its U.S. subsidiary.

NKMax's subsidiary NKGen Biotech announced on the 10th that Graf Acquisition Corp. IV (hereinafter Graf), a special purpose acquisition company, has nominated new board candidates.

The new board candidates include Michael Klowden and Kathleen Scott. Accordingly, these candidates will be elected at a special shareholders' meeting convened to approve the merger between Graf and NKGen Biotech. The listing is expected to be completed within the third quarter of this year.

Michael Klowden possesses outstanding leadership as well as expertise in finance and law. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School. Michael served as counsel at the international law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and was the CEO of the global investment bank Jefferies Group.

He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board at the Milken Institute. The Milken Institute hosts an annual global conference to discuss world finance and policy and operates various specialized centers including the Asia Center, California Center, FasterCures, Financial Markets Center, Center for the Future of Aging, Public Health Center, and Center for Strategic Philanthropy.

Kathleen Scott holds a bachelor's degree in International Economics and Business from the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds certifications such as AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). She worked as an auditor at Arthur Andersen's San Diego office and has experience in mergers and acquisitions at RA Capital Advisors, a private equity firm in San Diego.

Subsequently, Kathleen served on the boards of Dermata Therapeutics, Conatus Pharmaceuticals, the San Diego County YMCA, and the Corporate Directors Forum. Since February 2022, she has been serving as CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of ARS Pharmaceuticals.

Paul Song, CEO of NKGen Biotech, stated, "We are honored to nominate Michael and Kathleen as new board candidates for NKGen Biotech. Michael’s leadership experience and extensive capabilities in finance and law, along with Kathleen’s diverse expertise in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and investment banking, will play a valuable role for NKGen Biotech."

James Graf, CEO of Graf, said, "The Milken Institute is an organization specialized in healthcare and aging issues, which holds special significance for NKGen Biotech’s research on degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Kathleen’s experience as a biotech CFO and director of publicly listed biotech companies will be crucial as the merged entity progresses through its listing and development."

Board candidate Michael Klowden said, "NKGen Biotech’s potential in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer will positively impact millions of patients worldwide. If elected as a member of the new NKGen Biotech board, I will help create value for patients and shareholders. I eagerly look forward to advancing research on neurodegenerative diseases and cancer at the new NKGen Biotech."

Board candidate Kathleen Scott added, "I am grateful for the opportunity to become a member of the new NKGen Biotech board during this period of change. NKGen Biotech’s NK cell therapy has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. I will contribute to continuous growth alongside the board and management."

Meanwhile, upon completion of the merger, Park Sang-woo, CEO of NKMax, will serve as chairman and board chair of NKGen Biotech. Kim Yong-man will serve as Chief Research Officer, and Pierre Gagnon will hold the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Paul Song, CEO of NKGen Biotech, is also expected to be appointed CEO of the newly merged entity. Additionally, James Graf, Michael Klowden, and Kathleen Scott currently serve as outside directors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.