We are writing to formally raise serious concerns regarding the conduct and leadership style of Shawn Peter, whose actions are having a profoundly negative impact on Phathom Pharmaceuticals and its sales organization.
Over the past two years, Mr. Peter has fostered a culture of fear and intimidation that is not only detrimental to employee morale but is also driving remarkably significant and ongoing turnover within the sales force. His leadership approach is marked by hostility, a lack of psychological safety, and an unwillingness to listen to feedback — resulting in a toxic environment that undermines performance, trust, and the short/long-term health of the company.
Multiple high-performing sales professionals have been forced to leave, or already departed, and others are actively seeking new roles as a direct result of this damaging leadership. The cost to the business in terms of lost talent, disrupted customer relationships, and reduced productivity is substantial and growing. This environment is unsustainable, and it is widely acknowledged across teams that the root cause is Mr. Peter’s conduct.
Mr. Peter has taken resoundingly strong territories, place hard working reps on performance plans, and all for what? These territories now sit vacant for months. If you were to contact GI physicians in these territories, many would gladly vouch for these dismissed representatives. These representatives were making a difference.
For Phathom Pharmaceuticals to recover and move forward successfully, a change in leadership is urgently required. The culture cannot heal nor rebuild under continued management by fear.
We respectfully request this matter be investigated thoroughly and independently of HR (as they are part of the issue) and that appropriate leadership action be taken in alignment with the values and mission of the organization.
We are those who aren’t afraid, but there are far too many employees fearful to speak up. Let’s build Phathom back the way it was intended to be.
We are counting on you.
Over the past two years, Mr. Peter has fostered a culture of fear and intimidation that is not only detrimental to employee morale but is also driving remarkably significant and ongoing turnover within the sales force. His leadership approach is marked by hostility, a lack of psychological safety, and an unwillingness to listen to feedback — resulting in a toxic environment that undermines performance, trust, and the short/long-term health of the company.
Multiple high-performing sales professionals have been forced to leave, or already departed, and others are actively seeking new roles as a direct result of this damaging leadership. The cost to the business in terms of lost talent, disrupted customer relationships, and reduced productivity is substantial and growing. This environment is unsustainable, and it is widely acknowledged across teams that the root cause is Mr. Peter’s conduct.
Mr. Peter has taken resoundingly strong territories, place hard working reps on performance plans, and all for what? These territories now sit vacant for months. If you were to contact GI physicians in these territories, many would gladly vouch for these dismissed representatives. These representatives were making a difference.
For Phathom Pharmaceuticals to recover and move forward successfully, a change in leadership is urgently required. The culture cannot heal nor rebuild under continued management by fear.
We respectfully request this matter be investigated thoroughly and independently of HR (as they are part of the issue) and that appropriate leadership action be taken in alignment with the values and mission of the organization.
We are those who aren’t afraid, but there are far too many employees fearful to speak up. Let’s build Phathom back the way it was intended to be.
We are counting on you.