Count Down for the Activist Inestor

Alex Denner has exactly 52 more days.

   

And after this, his first 100 days will be over.

If you doubt that this initial period is important, just take a look at the vast number of Management tomes devoted to how a new leader needs to get out of the starting blocks at full speed.  Try, for example, “The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan: How to Take Charge, Build Your Team, and Get Immediate Results” by  Bradt, Check and Pedraza.    There’s a slew of similar books which hammer on the same point again and again. 

The first 100 days matter.  A lot.

This is the time when a new leader (or Activist Investor…) will take charge, lay out a plan, and provide powerful and credible leadership.   It’s the period during which a new leader will demonstrate that they are turning things around.   The rank and file, not to mention investors, need concrete demonstrations of impact and progress during this critical period. Absent that, they lose faith, and the initial enthusiasm and confidence wanes.  And they go elsewhere.

So what will it be? Licensing and pricing agreements in Europe? News on AP26113? Launch of the “Mystery Molecule?”  Updates on progress with new indications for Iclusig?  Or, heaven forbid, a buyout?  It has to be something, and it needs to be soon.   The masses of investors are starting to grumble, and Ariad leadership's statements of commitment to Ariad investors’ well-being are wearing thin.

So, Alex, the clock is ticking.  We’re down another four percent today as I write this note, and as one of your most supportive and enthusiastic Ariad invesetors, I’m counting on you demonstrating your positive influence, incredible talent, and your ability to “create value for shareholders” - as promised by both you and Dr. Berger.

Tick tock.