Interim CEO Kevin O’Donnell steps in at Eightco (NASDAQ: OCTO)

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Eightco Holdings Inc. appointed Kevin O’Donnell as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective August 13, 2025. He steps in while current CEO Paul Vassilakos takes a temporary leave of absence to recover from a non-life-threatening medical condition, with an expectation that Vassilakos will return by the end of the third quarter. O’Donnell has deep history with the company, having served as Chairman from October 15, 2021 to March 17, 2024 and as interim CEO from February 2024 to March 2024. He also brings broader operating and investment experience through roles at Poptop Partners, LLC and KOR Capital, LLC and service on multiple private and public company boards.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

Eightco installs experienced insider as interim CEO during CEO’s medical leave.

Eightco Holdings Inc. has named board member Kevin O’Donnell as interim CEO while current CEO Paul Vassilakos takes a temporary medical leave. The company explicitly characterizes the condition as non-life-threatening and notes an expectation that Vassilakos will return by the end of the third quarter, which frames this as a short-term leadership adjustment rather than a permanent change.

O’Donnell’s prior service as Chairman and as interim CEO from February 2024 to March 2024 suggests he is familiar with the company’s operations and governance. That continuity can help maintain strategic direction and day-to-day oversight while the permanent CEO is on leave. Future company filings may clarify whether the expected return timeline is maintained or if the interim arrangement is extended.

8-K Event Classification

Item 5.02 — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers

1 item

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance

Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 13, 2025

EIGHTCO HOLDINGS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware		001-41033		87-2755739
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		(Commission File Number)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

101 Larry Holmes Drive Suite 313 Easton, PA		18042
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888) 765-8933

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Not Applicable

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

	☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
	☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
	☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
	☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value		OCTO		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On August 13, 2025, the Board of Directors of Eightco Holdings Inc. (the “Company”) appointed Kevin O’Donnell as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Paul Vassilakos, the Company’s current Chief Executive Officer, is taking a temporary leave of absence to recover from a non-life-threatening medical condition but it is expected that he will return by the end of the third quarter. Mr. O’Donnell served as Chairman of the board of directors from October 15, 2021 to March 17, 2024, and continues to serve as a member of the board of directors. Mr. O’Donnell also served as interim Chief Executive Officer from February 2024 to March 2024.

Mr. O’Donnell founded Poptop Partners, LLC, a boutique operating and investment firm specializing in small to mid-market companies with an emphasis on the retail sector in April 2011 and continues to serve as its Managing Partner. From May 2007 to June 2010, Mr. O’Donnell served as the Founder/President of KOR Capital, LLC, a private equity and consulting firm specializing in turn around management of mid-market companies. Mr. O’Donnell has been an early-stage investor in multiple industries including hospitality, beverage, cannabis, hemp and technology. Mr. O’Donnell has served or continues to serve on numerous private and public boards including but not limited to SRM Entertainment, Vinco Ventures, Inc., Lakeside Alternatives Hospital Foundation, and The University Club.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated: August 19, 2025	EIGHTCO HOLDINGS INC.
	By:	/s/ Brett Vroman
		Brett Vroman
		Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

What leadership change did Eightco Holdings Inc. (OCTO) disclose?

Eightco Holdings Inc. appointed Kevin O’Donnell as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective August 13, 2025, while CEO Paul Vassilakos is on temporary medical leave.

Why is Eightco CEO Paul Vassilakos taking a leave of absence?

Paul Vassilakos is taking a temporary leave of absence to recover from a non-life-threatening medical condition, and it is expected that he will return by the end of the third quarter.

What prior roles has Kevin O’Donnell held at Eightco (OCTO)?

Kevin O’Donnell served as Chairman of the board from October 15, 2021 to March 17, 2024 and previously served as interim CEO from February 2024 to March 2024. He continues to serve as a member of the board of directors.

What relevant outside experience does Eightco’s interim CEO Kevin O’Donnell have?

Kevin O’Donnell founded Poptop Partners, LLC in April 2011, a boutique operating and investment firm focused on small to mid-market companies in the retail sector. He also founded KOR Capital, LLC, a private equity and consulting firm specializing in turnaround management, and has invested early-stage across multiple industries.

Is Eightco’s CEO medical issue described as life-threatening?

No. The company states that Paul Vassilakos is recovering from a non-life-threatening medical condition and is expected to return by the end of the third quarter.

Does Kevin O’Donnell remain on Eightco’s board while serving as interim CEO?

Yes. The filing states that Kevin O’Donnell continues to serve as a member of the board of directors while acting as interim Chief Executive Officer.