NorthWest Biotherapeutics Inc (NWBO)

[hyperopia]

drugrunner, let me first reiterate that hiring a CFO is a very positive step, and is indicative of preparation in advance of the next phase of Northwest’s commercialization and growth stage, and I have been eagerly anticipating this news for some time. I would argue that the CFO is one of the most critically important positions for an organization, particularly one with a history of compliance issues. The CFO position for many larger companies has evolved from merely being responsible for keeping the books and records, financial reporting, and statutory compliance, to more of a strategic, operational and leadership role.

The ability to attract top-tier scientific talent like Dr. Duffy, who was willing to leave Merck for Northwest Bio was very encouraging, and I would have been ecstatic to see an experienced CFO from a Fortune 500 Company (much less a Fortune 100 Company like Merck) willing to move to Northwest. I believe that ones own expectations are at least partly responsible for the level of satisfaction that one receives, and I readily admit that my expectations for this hire were too high. I certainly didn’t intend to disparage Ms. Davis, by noting my personal reaction to her level of experience for this important position. I’m a shareholder in a number of small companies, and sometimes I forget about the quality or experience level of personnel that they are able to attract until I listen to the amateurish conference calls.