Gregory Davis

About Gregory Davis

Gregory Davis, Ph.D., age 55, is Sangamo’s Head of Research & Technology since October 2024, previously Head of Technology (Nov 2023–Oct 2024) and VP, Genome Engineering (May 2020–Nov 2023). He has >20 years in genome editing, cell engineering, and directed protein evolution, including leading Genome Engineering R&D at Sigma‑Aldrich (Merck Group) (2015–2020). Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering (UT Austin), Ph.D. Chemical Engineering (University of Oklahoma) . Company performance context relevant to incentive alignment: FY revenue fell from $176.2M (2023) to $57.8M (2024) and net loss narrowed from $(258)M to $(98)M; 3‑year TSR (value of $100 investment) moved from 41.87 (2022) to 7.24 (2023) to 13.60 (2024) .

Company performance context

Past Roles

External Roles

Fixed Compensation

• Specific salary, target bonus %, and bonus outcomes for Gregory Davis are not disclosed in the 2025 Proxy. The Summary Compensation and incentive details are provided only for named executive officers (CEO, CDO, CFO, CLO) .
• In 2024, Sangamo implemented a broad US/UK retention program, but disclosed amounts only for NEOs; no individual data is provided for Davis .

Performance Compensation

• Company uses annual corporate objectives under an Incentive Plan for NEOs; 2024 achievement was 92% with bonus payments deferred pending funding. No individual metrics/weightings are disclosed for Davis .
• The Amended 2018 Equity Incentive Plan permits performance stock awards tied to metrics such as revenue, operating income, cash flow, TSR, market share, project completion, etc. (illustrative list), but specific awards/metrics for Davis are not disclosed .

Note: Sangamo’s 2024 Retention Program paid cash upon “cash extension” milestones and granted 2‑year vesting RSUs to employees including NEOs; amounts for Davis are not disclosed .

Equity Ownership & Alignment

• Beneficial ownership table in the 2025 Proxy lists directors and NEOs; Gregory Davis is not listed, and no share/option/RSU holdings are disclosed for him .
• Insider Trading Policy prohibits hedging, short‑selling, derivatives on Sangamo stock, and pledging or holding shares in margin accounts—reducing misalignment risks from speculative or leveraged positions .
• 2018/Amended 2018 Plan features: minimum 12‑month vesting (with a 5% plan‑reserve exception), no repricing without shareholder approval, clawback application, and change‑in‑control treatment where unassumed awards accelerate; employee award terms apply company‑wide though individual grants for Davis are not disclosed .

Employment Terms

• Davis is an executive officer (Head of Research & Technology) as of April 17, 2025 .
• Sangamo states executives/employees are “at‑will”; severance coverage under the Amended Severance Plan is disclosed for CEO, CFO, CDO, and CLO—no severance specifics or change‑of‑control multiples are disclosed for Davis .
• Company executed multiple restructurings and cost actions in 2023–2024, reflecting elevated retention risk and operating changes across teams .

Performance & Track Record

• Role progression within Sangamo and prior leadership at Sigma‑Aldrich indicates deep technical stewardship in genome engineering and delivery platforms .
• Company‑level outcomes linked to executive incentives: 2024 non‑GAAP opex reductions (~50%), decommissioning of French site, cash runway extension via BD/financing; NEO bonuses earned but deferred for funding .
• Strategic progress in 2024–2025 includes Genentech/Astellas licensing of STAC‑BBB capsid and an FDA pathway to Accelerated Approval for Fabry (ST‑920), against a backdrop of materially lower revenue and narrowing net loss .

Compensation Committee Analysis (Context)

• Compensation Committee (Chair: Dr. Karen L. Smith) uses Aon for peer data and program design; plan governance includes clawback and no liberal CIC definitions .
• Say‑on‑Pay is annual; the 2025 proxy requests approval of NEO compensation, but historical approval rates are not provided .

Risk Indicators & Red Flags

• Going‑concern risk and need for substantial additional funding; volatility in collaborations and revenue streams; lower 2024 revenue; narrowing net loss .
• Workforce reductions and site shutdowns elevate retention risk for technical leaders like Davis .
• Insider policy prohibits pledging/hedging; reduces certain alignment risks .

Investment Implications

• Retention/Execution: Davis leads core research/technology amid restructuring and funding constraints; retention risk is elevated corporately, but 2024 retention programs and plan features (minimum vesting, clawbacks, no repricing) support continuity and governance .
• Compensation Alignment: Absence of disclosed individual compensation limits direct pay‑for‑performance analysis for Davis; company‑level incentive design emphasizes corporate objectives and performance awards tied to operational and strategic metrics .
• Trading Signals: No Form 4 or ownership data disclosed for Davis in the proxy; insider policy bans hedging/pledging and derivatives, reducing selling‑pressure risk from margin arrangements .
• Platform Value vs Funding: Notable scientific/licensing momentum (STAC‑BBB; Fabry AA path) contrasts with declining revenue and funding needs—execution by the research/technology function is a key lever for value creation under Davis’s leadership .