Somatus Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Somatus has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, medical affairs, legal, and market expansion.

Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, Somatus delivers specialized healthcare management services for Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage Renal Disease, significantly impacting patient outcomes and the healthcare landscape.

Leadership Roles at Somatus

  • Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Ikenna Okezie
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Ricketts
  • President - Don French
  • Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff - Derek Kung
  • Chief Medical Officer - Bassem Mikhael
  • Chief Legal Officer - Alicia Palmer
  • 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 organization. Okezie guides the company's mission to transform care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This leadership involves setting corporate objectives, fostering innovation in patient management, and ensuring alignment with market needs. Okezie drives the expansion of Somatus's reach, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing kidney disease. The Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses cultivating strategic partnerships and championing the company's patient-centric approach across all operational facets. Through decisive leadership, Ikenna Okezie ensures the company remains at the forefront of specialized kidney disease care, impacting thousands of lives annually.
    Ikenna Okezie

    Robert Ricketts - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Ricketts, the Chief Financial Officer at Somatus, oversees all financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Ricketts manages budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring the company's fiscal health and sustainable growth. This executive role involves securing capital, managing investor relations, and optimizing financial performance to support the expansion of healthcare services for CKD and ESRD patients. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to evaluating investment opportunities and mitigating financial risks. By implementing robust financial controls, Robert Ricketts supports the operational scaling of Somatus, enabling broader access to critical kidney disease management programs. Ricketts ensures financial stability, underpinning the company's commitment to patient care.

    Don French - President

    Don French, the President at Somatus, drives market expansion and operational growth initiatives across the organization. French focuses on scaling the company's impact in transforming care for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This leadership position involves developing and executing strategic plans to broaden the reach of Somatus's services and enhance patient access. The President's role encompasses fostering key business relationships and identifying new opportunities for service delivery. Don French plays a vital part in ensuring that the company's operational infrastructure supports its ambitious growth objectives. French's leadership directly contributes to Somatus's mission of improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease.

    Derek Kung - Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff

    Derek Kung, the Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff at Somatus, orchestrates critical operational initiatives and strategic projects. Kung ensures seamless execution of the company's mission to improve care for CKD and ESRD patients. This leadership position involves driving cross-functional collaboration, managing key organizational priorities, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in strategic decision-making. The Chief of Staff's duties include streamlining internal processes and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments. Derek Kung plays a pivotal part in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, ensuring that Somatus effectively scales its patient management services. Kung's focus on operational excellence directly contributes to the company's ability to serve a growing patient population.

    Bassem Mikhael - Chief Medical Officer

    Bassem Mikhael, the Chief Medical Officer at Somatus, directs clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of patient care for individuals with kidney disease. Mikhael leads the development and implementation of evidence-based clinical protocols for CKD and ESRD management. This executive role involves overseeing the clinical teams, guiding medical research initiatives, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. The Chief Medical Officer's expertise is crucial in shaping the company's approach to patient outcomes and clinical innovation. Bassem Mikhael champions the integration of advanced medical insights into Somatus's service delivery, directly enhancing the effectiveness of care provided. Mikhael's leadership ensures that clinical practice aligns with the company's mission to transform kidney disease treatment.
    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 laws and regulations, safeguarding the company's operations and patient interests. This critical role involves managing corporate governance, risk assessment, and contract negotiations to support the delivery of specialized CKD and ESRD management services. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities include advising on regulatory changes and protecting intellectual property. Alicia Palmer's legal acumen is essential for navigating the complex healthcare landscape and ensuring the integrity of Somatus's business practices. Palmer's guidance supports the company's mission to provide accessible and compliant kidney disease care.

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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 Don French (President).
    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), Don French (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Somatus have?
    Somatus has 6 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, President, Executive Vice President & Chief of Staff, Chief Medical Officer.