Brian Lian, Ph.D., is the CEO of Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a position he has held since June 2, 2014. His leadership has been key as the company focuses on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Over the years, Dr....

Brian Lian, Ph.D., is the CEO of Viking Therapeutics, Inc., a position he has held since June 2, 2014. His leadership has been key as the company focuses on developing therapies for metabolic and endocrine disorders. Over the years, Dr. Lian's compensation has reflected the company's growth, with his total pay reaching nearly $1 million in 2023. This includes a salary of $615,000 and a bonus reflecting his performance and corporate objectives. Notably, his stock options and performance-linked equity grants, totaling over $4 million in value, show his vested interest in the company's success. Dr. Lian has made significant insider trades over the years, with the value of his holdings peaking at $84.52 million in February 2024, indicating a strong financial stake in the company's future. His approach to executive compensation aligns with performance metrics, aimed at motivating the team towards achieving key milestones, which is crucial in the competitive biotech industry. His focus remains on driving Viking Therapeutics forward, marking a path towards innovative treatment options that can impact many lives.

Quick Links

1. Rivals

2. Holdings

3. Insider Trading

4. Compensation History

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Brian Lian, Ph.D.

CEO of Viking Therapeutics

Sector of Economy

Healthcare

CEO of Viking Therapeutics for

10 years 10 months (Jun 2014 - Present)

Previous Experience

President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking Therapeutics, Inc.

Rivals

Competitors/colleagues of Brian Lian, Ph.D.

M

Paul A. Friedman, M.D.

CEO of Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2023 Compensation

Stock

$6.17M

Salary

$498.85K

Bonus

$0.00

Other

$1.06M

Total Holdings

$17.31M

E

David A. Ricks

CEO of Eli Lilly

2023 Compensation

Stock

$18.84M

Salary

$1.65M

Bonus

$4.40M

Other

$263.07K

Total Holdings

$584.55M

Holdings

See how much did Brian Lian, Ph.D. make over time.

Dr. Brian Lian's holdings in Viking Therapeutics have seen significant ups and downs. In early 2024, his holdings peaked at an impressive $84.52 million, indicating his strong financial commitment to the company's future. Earlier trades were substantial as well, starting...

Dr. Brian Lian's holdings in Viking Therapeutics have seen significant ups and downs. In early 2024, his holdings peaked at an impressive $84.52 million, indicating his strong financial commitment to the company's future. Earlier trades were substantial as well, starting at $10.88 million in 2019 and steadily increasing, demonstrating confidence in the company's growth trajectory. His wealth is closely tied to the success of Viking's innovative therapies, underlining his vested interest as both a leader and a significant shareholder.

Mar 18, 2025

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shares

VKTX @ $29.46

Total Stock Sold

$51.84M

VKTX

$51.84M

1,437,626 VKTX shares

What if they kept their stock?

If Brian Lian, Ph.D. didn't sell their stock, today they would have:
Extra VKTX1,437,626 shares worth $7.26M.
This is -85.99% and $44.58M less than what they got when they sold the stock.

Insider Trading

See recent insider trades of Brian Lian, Ph.D..

VKTX

$15.39M

VKTX at $71.19/share

Sep 20, 2024

Sale

VKTX

$69.90K

VKTX at $69.90/share

Aug 21, 2024

Sale

VKTX

$7.48M

VKTX at $66.27/share

Aug 19, 2024

Sale

VKTX

$6.70M

VKTX at $57.85/share

Jul 29, 2024

Sale

VKTX

204,333 shares

VKTX

Jul 29, 2024

Received

VKTX

221,667 shares

VKTX

Mar 27, 2024

Received

VKTX

221,667 shares

VKTX

Mar 1, 2024

Received

VKTX

$1.35M

VKTX at $29.90/share

Feb 9, 2024

Sale

VKTX

$7.27M

VKTX at $27.00/share

Feb 8, 2024

Sale

VKTX

$2.10M

VKTX at $24.70/share

Jan 31, 2024

Sale

Compensation History

See how much did Brian Lian, Ph.D. make over time.

In 2023, Dr. Lian's total compensation reached $987,100. This figure includes a salary of $615,000 and a performance bonus of $372,100. His bonus was based on achieving corporate milestones and exceeded targets significantly, reflecting an attainment rate of 110%. The total also includes substantial stock options and performance-based stock units, which can greatly increase his overall earnings linked to the company’s performance. This compensation structure aligns with the company’s philosophy to pay for performance, ensuring that Dr. Lian's interests are closely tied to those of the shareholders. As Viking Therapeutics strives for success, Dr. Lian’s leadership and financial stakes in the company underscore his commitment to driving innovation and growth.

Year

2023

Total Compensation

$5.95M

Salary

$615.00K

Board Justification

The compensation program is designed to attract, retain, and motivate individuals with superior ability, experience, and leadership capability to deliver on annual and long-term business objectives necessary to create stockholder value.

Bonus

$372.10K

Board Justification

The bonus amount awarded to Dr. Lian for 2023 was equal to 61% of his base compensation (representing 110% of his target bonus for 2023 of 55% of his base compensation).

Other

$0.00

Board Justification

No other compensation was reported for Dr. Lian in 2023.

Restricted Stock

$4.96M(266.67K RSU)

Board Justification

The shares subject to the RSU awards granted to Dr. Lian will vest upon his continuous service to the company, with one-third of the shares vesting on each anniversary of the grant date.

Performance Metrics

The performance metrics for the bonus included achieving corporate goals related to clinical milestones and individual performance ratings.