Alto Neuroscience elevates CFO Nicholas Smith to president role

Alto Neuroscience, Inc. disclosed in an 8-K filing that its board took action on August 26, 2026, naming Nicholas C. Smith as President and Chief Financial Officer. The board of directors promoted Smith, who had been serving as the company's chief financial officer and chief business officer, into the combined president and CFO role, effective immediately.¹

The move adjusts the responsibilities of CEO Amit Etkin. Etkin continues as chief executive officer but no longer holds the title of president as of August 26, 2026.¹ Etkin remains the company's principal executive officer, while Smith is now designated principal financial officer.¹

Alongside the promotion, the company signed a retention agreement with Smith on the same date. Under the agreement, Alto will pay Smith a cash retention payment consisting of $3,000,000 within ten days of August 26, 2026, and another $3,000,000 on the twelve-month anniversary of that date.¹ Both installments are subject to standard tax withholdings.¹

The payments carry conditions. If Smith's employment ends for any reason, including his own resignation, or is terminated by the company for cause before the two-year anniversary of the effective date, he forfeits any unpaid retention money and must repay any amounts already received within 30 days of his last day.¹ However, if the company terminates him without cause, or his employment ends due to death or disability before that two-year mark, Alto will pay out any remaining unpaid retention amount at that time.¹

Additional biographical details on Smith appear in the company's definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 26, 2026.¹ The filing states there are no arrangements with other parties related to his appointment, no family ties to other executives or directors, and no related-party transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.¹