Somatus Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Somatus has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, legal, and clinical care.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Somatus focuses on transforming care for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage Renal Disease, enhancing quality of life and improving health outcomes through specialized management services.

Leadership Roles at Somatus

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Ikenna Okezie
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Ricketts
  • Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff - Derek Kung
  • Chief Legal Officer - Alicia Palmer
  • Chief Medical Officer - Bassem Mikhael
  • Ikenna Okezie - Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Ikenna Okezie, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Somatus, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the company's specialized healthcare management services. Okezie guides the organization's mission to transform care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), ensuring alignment across all operational and clinical functions. This leadership involves fostering innovation in patient care models and driving market expansion to reach more individuals in need. By setting the strategic direction, Okezie ensures Somatus effectively addresses the complex needs of CKD and ESRD patients, improving their quality of life and health outcomes. The Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses cultivating key partnerships and championing the company's commitment to excellence in patient-centered care. Through strategic decision-making, Ikenna Okezie solidifies Somatus's position as a leader in kidney disease management.
    Ikenna Okezie

    Robert Ricketts - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Ricketts, the Chief Financial Officer at Somatus, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the organization. Ricketts manages budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of Somatus's specialized healthcare management services. This role is critical in supporting the company's growth initiatives and its mission to provide transformative care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The Chief Financial Officer analyzes financial performance, identifies opportunities for cost optimization, and secures necessary funding to advance patient care programs. By maintaining robust financial controls and driving fiscal discipline, Ricketts enables Somatus to expand its reach and impact. Robert Ricketts's financial acumen is essential for the company's ability to invest in innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

    Derek Kung - Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Derek Kung, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at Somatus, manages critical operational initiatives and supports the strategic execution of the company's mission. Kung ensures seamless coordination between departments, driving efficiency in the delivery of specialized healthcare management services for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This position involves overseeing key projects, optimizing internal processes, and facilitating communication across the leadership team. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in translating the company's strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring that Somatus effectively addresses the complex needs of its patient population. By enhancing operational effectiveness, Derek Kung contributes directly to improving patient outcomes and the overall quality of care. This leadership function is vital for maintaining the company's focus on innovation and patient-centered solutions.
    Alicia Palmer, the Chief Legal Officer at Somatus, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the organization. Palmer ensures compliance with healthcare regulations and manages risk associated with the company's specialized management services for patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This critical role involves advising on corporate governance, contract negotiations, and litigation matters, safeguarding the company's interests while upholding its commitment to patient care. The Chief Legal Officer works closely with other executives to navigate the complex legal landscape of the healthcare industry. By ensuring robust legal frameworks are in place, Alicia Palmer supports Somatus's mission to deliver high-quality, compliant care. Palmer's expertise is fundamental to maintaining the integrity and operational stability of the company's services.

    Bassem Mikhael - Chief Medical Officer

    Bassem Mikhael, the Chief Medical Officer at Somatus, leads the clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Mikhael oversees the development and implementation of evidence-based clinical protocols, guiding the medical team in delivering exceptional patient outcomes. This role is central to Somatus's mission of transforming kidney disease management through innovative and compassionate care. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with operational and executive leadership to integrate clinical best practices across all service lines. By championing clinical excellence, Bassem Mikhael ensures that Somatus remains at the forefront of patient-centered healthcare solutions. Mikhael's medical expertise is indispensable for advancing the company's commitment to improving the health and well-being of individuals facing kidney disease.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Somatus Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Somatus?
    Somatus is led by Ikenna Okezie (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Robert Ricketts (Chief Financial Officer) and Derek Kung (Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Somatus’s executive team?
    The executive team of Somatus includes leaders such as Ikenna Okezie (Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer), Robert Ricketts (Chief Financial Officer), Derek Kung (Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Somatus have?
    Somatus has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Somatus’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Somatus includes roles such as Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Officer, Chief Medical Officer.