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Ronald Kisling named Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) CFO as John Frederick retires

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8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Skillsoft Corp. appointed Ronald Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective May 20, 2026, while former CFO John Frederick retired and will advise the company through September 4, 2026. Kisling brings over 40 years of finance experience, including CFO roles at Fastly, Fitbit, and other technology companies.

Under his offer letter, Kisling will receive a $500,000 annual base salary, a target annual bonus equal to 75% of salary (pro‑rated for fiscal 2027), a $200,000 cash signing bonus, and up to $15,000 in reimbursed legal fees. He is also eligible for 150,000 restricted stock units split between time‑based and performance‑based awards, plus a supplemental 30,000 performance‑based RSUs, all subject to vesting conditions.

If Skillsoft terminates Kisling without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason, he is entitled to 12 months of base salary continuation, continued benefits payments for up to 12 months, and certain bonus and equity vesting protections that increase following a Change in Control. Frederick will continue to receive his current base salary, benefits, continued equity vesting, a potential $125,000 retention bonus, and up to $10,000 in legal fee reimbursement during his transition period.

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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.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
CFO base salary $500,000 per year Annual base salary for Ronald Kisling as CFO
Target bonus 75% of base salary Annual cash bonus target for Ronald Kisling
Signing bonus $200,000 cash CFO signing bonus, paid in two installments
New hire RSUs 150,000 RSUs Restricted stock units granted to Ronald Kisling
Supplemental PSUs 30,000 PSUs Additional performance-based RSUs for Ronald Kisling
Frederick retention bonus $125,000 Potential retention bonus for outgoing CFO John Frederick
Fastly payments $0.35 million Payments to Fastly since start of fiscal 2026
Legal fee reimbursement $15,000 and $10,000 Caps on legal fee reimbursements for Kisling and Frederick
restricted stock units financial
"Under the Kisling Offer Letter, Mr. Kisling is also eligible to receive the following equity grants ... 150,000 restricted stock units"
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
performance-based restricted stock units financial
"50% of the New Hire Award will be in the form of performance-based restricted stock units"
Performance-based restricted stock units are a type of employee equity award that converts into company shares only if predefined financial or operational targets are met over a set period. Think of it like a bonus check that becomes stock only when specific goals are hit; it ties pay to results, aligning managers’ incentives with shareholders. Investors care because these awards affect future share count, executive incentives, and signal how management’s success will be measured and rewarded.
Change in Control financial
"during the 3-month period ending on the date of a Change in Control or within the 12-month period following a Change in Control"
A "change in control" occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a merger, acquisition, or sale of a large part of its assets. This change can impact how the company is run and may influence its future direction. For investors, it matters because it can affect the company's stability, strategy, and value, often signaling potential changes in investment risk or opportunity.
retention bonus financial
"Mr. Frederick will also be eligible to receive a retention bonus of $125,000"
forward‑looking statements regulatory
"This press release includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward‑looking statements”"
Forward-looking statements are predictions, plans, projections or expectations about a company’s future results, strategy, or events that appear in press releases and regulatory filings. They matter to investors because they are not guarantees and often rely on assumptions that may prove wrong; think of them like a weather forecast useful for planning but uncertain, so investors should weigh those statements against hard facts, past performance and disclosed risks.
Emerging growth company regulatory
"Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
Understanding 8-K Material Events →
false 0001774675 0001774675 2026-05-19 2026-05-19
 
 
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): May 19, 2026
 
 
Skillsoft Corp.
 
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
001-38960
83-4388331
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission File
Number)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
300 Innovative Way, Suite 2210
Nashua, NH 03062
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
(603) 821-3902
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
 
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
Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value per share
SKIL
New York Stock Exchange
 
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 May 19, 2026, the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Skillsoft Corp. (the “Company”) appointed Ronald Kisling as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, effective as of May 20, 2026 (the “Transition Date”).
 
John Frederick retired as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer effective as of the Transition Date. At the Company’s request, Mr. Frederick has agreed to serve as an Advisor to the Company from the Transition Date until September 4, 2026 (the “Transition Period”), to facilitate the Chief Financial Officer transition, pursuant to a transition and separation agreement with the Company dated May 20, 2026 (the “Frederick Transition Agreement”).
 
Appointment of Ronald Kisling as Chief Financial Officer
 
Mr. Kisling, age 65, served as the Chief Financial Officer of Fastly, Inc., a content delivery network, cloud security, and serverless computing services company, from August 2021 to August 2025. From June 2018 to January 2021, Mr. Kisling served as Chief Financial Officer of Fitbit, Inc., a consumer electronics and fitness company which was acquired by Google LLC in January 2021, and served as Chief Financial Officer, Fitbit Business Unit from January 2021 to August 2021. He joined Fitbit in September 2014 and served as Chief Accounting Officer until his appointment as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, Mr. Kisling held Chief Financial Officer positions at numerous other technology companies, including Nanometrics Incorporated (now Onto Innovation Inc.), an industrial manufacturing company, PGP Corporation, a data encryption and security software company, Portal Software Inc., a product-based billing and revenue management software company, SPL WorldGroup, Inc., a revenue and operations management software company, and Saba Software, Inc., a talent management software company.
 
In connection with his appointment as Chief Financial Officer, on May 19, 2026, Mr. Kisling entered into an offer letter with the Company (the “Kisling Offer Letter”). Pursuant to the Kisling Offer Letter, effective upon the Transition Date, Mr. Kisling will receive an annual base salary of $500,000 and Mr. Kisling will be eligible for an annual bonus in accordance with the Company’s annual cash bonus program, with a target annual bonus equal to 75% of his annual salary rate (but pro-rated based on the Transition Date for the Company’s fiscal 2027). Mr. Kisling will also be eligible to participate in the Company’s benefits plans and programs made available to its other senior executives. The Company will also pay up to $15,000 for Mr. Kisling’s reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with negotiating the Kisling Offer Letter. Mr. Kisling will also receive a cash signing bonus of $200,000, less applicable withholdings and deductions, pursuant to the terms of a signing bonus agreement attached to the Kisling Offer Letter, which is generally payable with respect to 50% shortly following the Transition Date and 50% shortly following December 1, 2026, provided that it is subject to certain repayment conditions if Mr. Kisling’s employment is terminated due to “misconduct” (as defined in the signing bonus agreement) or Mr. Kisling resigns before the first anniversary of an installment’s payment date.
 
Under the Kisling Offer Letter, Mr. Kisling is also eligible to receive the following equity grants under the Company’s 2024 Employment Inducement Incentive Award Plan, subject to the Board’s Talent and Compensation Committee’s (the “Committee’s”) approval of the awards, and subject further in each case to Mr. Kisling’s continued employment with the Company through the vesting date: (i) 150,000 restricted stock units (the “New Hire Award”), allocated as follows: (x) 50% of the New Hire Award will be in the form of time-based restricted stock units, which vest ratably on each of the first four anniversaries of June 1, 2026 and (y) 50% of the New Hire Award will be in the form of performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”), which vest based on the achievement of both time and performance-based vesting conditions that will be determined by the Board or the Committee and (ii) a supplemental award of 30,000 PSUs (assuming target performance), which will vest based on achievement of both time and performance-based vesting conditions, with 50% of such award scheduled to time vest on each of May 1, 2027 and May 1, 2028 and with performance-based vesting conditions to be set annually by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, subject to Committee approval.
 
 
 
 
Under the Kisling Offer Letter, if Mr. Kisling’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Kisling for Good Reason, Mr. Kisling will be entitled to 12 months’ annual base salary continuation, an additional monthly payment for up to 12 months sufficient to cover the costs of continued benefits participation, and his earned but unpaid annual bonus (if any) for the prior fiscal year. If Mr. Kisling’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Kisling for Good Reason during the 3-month period ending on the date of a Change in Control or within the 12-month period following a Change in Control (as defined in Company’s 2020 Omnibus Incentive Plan), Mr. Kisling will be entitled to the severance referenced in the preceding sentence (provided that, if the termination of employment occurs following the Change in Control, the base salary severance and benefits severance referenced in such sentence shall be paid in a lump sum), along with (i) his target annual bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, (ii) a pro-rata target bonus for the year in which termination occurs and (iii) accelerated vesting of his outstanding equity awards. The severance payments and benefits are contingent upon Mr. Kisling’s execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, as well as Mr. Kisling’s compliance with his obligations under a restrictive covenants agreement with the Company. Upon Mr. Kisling’s termination of employment, he will also be entitled to his accrued salary and other accrued benefits.
 
There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Kisling and any other persons or entities pursuant to which Mr. Kisling was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Kisling does not have any family relationship with any director or executive officer of the Company, or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer.
 
In June 2018, the Company entered into an off-the-shelf agreement for customary services and products with Fastly, Inc. Mr. Kisling was the Chief Financial Officer of Fastly, Inc. from August 2021 to August 2025. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company has made payments to Fastly, Inc. of approximately $0.35 million since the beginning of fiscal year 2026. The Company is not aware of other transactions involving Mr. Kisling that are required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, nor are any such transactions currently proposed.
 
John Frederick’s Transition Period
 
The Frederick Transition Agreement governs Mr. Frederick’s employment with the Company for the Transition Period. During the Transition Period, Mr. Frederick will continue to be paid base salary at his current base salary rate, remain eligible to participate in employee benefits plans, and continue to vest in his previously granted Company equity awards. Mr. Frederick will also be eligible to receive a retention bonus of $125,000, subject to, and paid shortly following, his timely execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims, and subject further to his compliance with his restrictive covenants (inclusive of the Transition Period) and other continuing obligations to the Company. The Company will also pay up to $10,000 for Mr. Frederick’s reasonable legal fees incurred in connection with negotiating the Frederick Transition Agreement.
 
The foregoing descriptions of the Kisling Offer Letter and the Frederick Transition Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Kisling Offer Letter and the Frederick Transition Agreement, which will be filed as exhibits to a Company Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
Item 7.01.
Regulation FD Disclosure.
 
On May 20, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing Mr. Kisling’s appointment to, and Mr. Frederick’s retirement from, the position of Chief Financial Officer. A copy of such press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
The information furnished in this Item 7.01, including in Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, nor shall such information be deemed automatically incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
Item 9.01
Financial Statement and Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
99.1
Press Release, dated May 20, 2026.
 
 
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
 
 
 
 
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: May 21, 2026
 
 
 
SKILLSOFT CORP.
 
By: /s/ Ronald W. Hovsepian         
Ronald W. Hovsepian         
Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer
 
 

Exhibit 99.1

 

Skillsoft Appoints Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer

 

BOSTON, Mass. — May 20, 2026 — Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) (“Skillsoft”, “we”, “us”, or “our”), a leading AI-native skills management platform, today announced that it has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Kisling is joining Skillsoft as the Company begins the next phase of its transformation following the signing of the Global Knowledge business sale.

 

Mr. Kisling is a seasoned public company CFO with more than 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years of CFO experience at high-growth technology companies. He brings to Skillsoft strong leadership qualities, strategic acumen and significant expertise in areas that are aligned with Skillsoft’s next chapter, including leading transformations and driving growth at scale. He most recently served in CFO roles at Fastly and Fitbit, where he led the finance organizations through important change and scale.

 

“Ron has built a strong track record of enhancing financial discipline and driving operational rigor, and we’re confident he’s the right leader for where we’re headed,” said Ron Hovsepian, Chief Executive Officer of Skillsoft. “Over the past several quarters, we have repositioned the business, and Ron has proven skillsets to build on that progress and help lead our next phase. We remain focused on simplifying our operating model and accelerating growth.”

 

“I am excited to join Skillsoft at this pivotal time,” said Mr. Kisling. “The Company has made important progress, and I look forward to working with Ron and the leadership team to build on the momentum underway and help drive the Company’s next phase of growth and value creation.”

 

John Frederick is retiring from Skillsoft as CFO and will act as an advisor to the Company through early September. Mr. Frederick’s retirement is not related to the Company’s financial or operating results or to any disagreement with the Company regarding its financial, operational, accounting, or reporting policies or practices.

 

Mr. Hovsepian added, “We thank John for his leadership and contributions during his tenure and wish him the best.”

 

In a separate press release issued today, Skillsoft announced the sale of its Global Knowledge business unit to an affiliate of Enduring Ventures, further advancing the Company’s strategic transformation. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is currently expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2026. The press release is available via Skillsoft’s investor relations website.

 

About Ron Kisling

 

Mr. Kisling is an experienced executive with over 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years of CFO roles at high-growth technology companies. He most recently served as CFO at Fastly and Fitbit, where he led the finance organizations during times marked by significant expansion. Prior to joining Fitbit in 2014, Mr. Kisling held Chief Financial Officer positions at other technology companies, including Nanometrics, PGP Corporation, Saba Software, Inc., and SPL WorldGroup, Inc. A seasoned finance expert, he brings extensive public company financial management and leadership experience.

 

About Skillsoft

Skillsoft (NYSE: SKIL) is a global leader in skills management for the human + AI era. The AI-native Skillsoft platform gives a clear view of workforce capability, closes critical skill gaps, and proves the impact of skills on business outcomes. With Skillsoft, organizations can build AI-ready teams, lower the cost and time of workforce development, and reduce execution risk as work continues to change. Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Skillsoft to power workforce readiness. Learn more at skillsoft.com.

 

 
 

 

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward‑looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created by those laws. These statements are based upon current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10‑K and subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward‑looking statements, except as required by law.

 

Investors:
Ross Collins
SKIL@alpha-ir.com

Media:
Skillsoft Public Relations
PR@skillsoft.com

 

 

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

What leadership change did Skillsoft (SKIL) announce in this 8-K filing?

Skillsoft appointed Ronald Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective May 20, 2026, while John Frederick retired from the CFO role. Frederick will remain with the company as an advisor through September 4, 2026 to support a smooth leadership transition.

What is Ronald Kisling’s compensation package as Skillsoft (SKIL) CFO?

Ronald Kisling will receive a $500,000 annual base salary, a target annual bonus equal to 75% of salary, a $200,000 cash signing bonus, up to $15,000 in reimbursed legal fees, and equity awards totaling 150,000 RSUs plus a supplemental 30,000 performance-based RSUs.

What severance protections does Skillsoft (SKIL) provide to new CFO Ronald Kisling?

If Skillsoft terminates Kisling without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason, he receives 12 months of salary continuation, up to 12 months of benefits payments, any earned but unpaid prior-year bonus, and enhanced bonus and accelerated equity vesting if this occurs around a Change in Control.

How is outgoing CFO John Frederick compensated during his transition at Skillsoft (SKIL)?

John Frederick will continue to receive his current base salary, benefits, and equity vesting during the transition period. He may also receive a $125,000 retention bonus and up to $10,000 in reimbursed legal fees, subject to a release of claims and compliance with restrictive covenants.

How does Skillsoft (SKIL) describe Ronald Kisling’s background and experience?

Skillsoft describes Kisling as a seasoned public company CFO with over 40 years of finance experience and 15 years in CFO roles, including at Fastly and Fitbit. The company highlights his experience leading transformations, driving growth at scale, and enhancing financial discipline and operational rigor.

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