SmartKem (NASDAQ: SMTK) discloses retirement of Chief Scientist Beverley Brown

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

SmartKem, Inc. reported a leadership change in its scientific organization. On January 9, 2026, Chief Scientist Beverley Brown notified the company of her intention to retire. Her retirement is stated to be effective January 12, 2026, indicating a near-term transition in the role responsible for the company’s scientific leadership. The filing does not provide additional details on succession or changes to other executive positions.

Insights

Corporate governance analyst

SmartKem reports the scheduled retirement of its Chief Scientist.

SmartKem, Inc. disclosed that Chief Scientist Beverley Brown plans to retire, with effectiveness on January 12, 2026. This represents a change in the senior leadership overseeing the company’s scientific activities but is framed as a retirement rather than an abrupt departure. No additional changes to the board or other executives are described.

The disclosure is narrow in scope, limited to the notice date of January 9, 2026 and the effective retirement date. There is no accompanying discussion of strategic shifts, financial impact, or succession planning in the excerpt. As a result, while this is relevant to understanding the company’s leadership profile, it does not on its own indicate a broader change to the business outlook.

Subsequent company communications or future filings may provide more detail on who will assume Chief Scientist responsibilities and whether any adjustments to research priorities or organizational structure will follow this retirement.

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, DC 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): January 9, 2026

SmartKem, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	001-42115	85-1083654
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

Manchester Technology Center, Hexagon Tower

Delaunays Road, Blackley

Manchester, M9 8GQ U.K.

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

011-44-161-721-1514

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

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

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:

¨ 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 exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share		SMTK		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 x

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 January 9, 2026, Beverley Brown, Chief Scientist of SmartKem, Inc. (the “Company”) notified the Company of her intention to retire from the Company, effective January 12, 2026.

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.

	SMARTKEM, INC.
Dated: January 15, 2026	By:	/s/ Barbra C. Keck
		Barbra C. Keck
		Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

What leadership change did SmartKem (SMTK) report in this 8-K?

SmartKem, Inc. reported that its Chief Scientist, Beverley Brown, has notified the company of her intention to retire, resulting in a change in scientific leadership.

When is SmartKem Chief Scientist Beverley Brown’s retirement effective?

Beverley Brown’s retirement from SmartKem, Inc. is stated to be effective on January 12, 2026.

On what date did Beverley Brown notify SmartKem (SMTK) of her retirement?

Beverley Brown notified SmartKem, Inc. of her intention to retire on January 9, 2026.

Does the SmartKem 8-K mention changes to other officers or directors?

The 8-K excerpt focuses on the retirement of Chief Scientist Beverley Brown and does not describe changes to other directors or officers.

Is SmartKem (SMTK) identified as an emerging growth company in this filing?

Yes, SmartKem, Inc. is identified as an emerging growth company in this Form 8-K.