Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that Mark Mallon plans to step down as chief executive officer in order to pursue another leadership opportunity, effective March 12, 2021. The Ironwood Board has named Thomas McCourt, Ironwood’s president, as interim CEO effective upon Mr. Mallon’s departure. Julie McHugh, Ironwood’s Board chair, will become executive chair of the Board of Directors effective upon Mr. Mallon’s departure and, in that capacity, will continue to lead the Board of Directors as well as provide counsel and guidance to the senior management team through the transition. The Board plans to initiate a candidate search with the assistance of a leading executive search firm to identify Mr. Mallon’s permanent successor. Tom McCourt joined Ironwood in 2009 and has served as president since April 2019. Prior to April 2019, he served as senior vice president of marketing and sales and chief commercial officer. Prior to joining Ironwood, Mr. McCourt led the U.S. brand team for denosumab at Amgen Inc. from April 2008 to August 2009.