Stark Focus Group, Inc. announced on September 21, 2026, that the Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment of Matthew Szot as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Szot is set to assume the role effective October 8, 2026, succeeding John Lipman, who will continue to serve as the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Szot will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Szot, aged 52, brings significant financial leadership experience to the role. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at SenesTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNES), a position he has held since May 2026, and has been a director since December 2015. Additionally, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Cadrenal Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, a position he has held since May 2022. His previous roles include serving as the CFO of S&W Seed Company from 2010 to 2021 and CFO of Rip Curl, Inc. from 2003 to 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics/Accountancy from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and is a Certified Public Accountant in California.
The Company entered into an Executive Agreement with Mr. Szot dated September 21, 2026, which outlines the terms of his employment. Under this agreement, Mr. Szot will receive an initial annual base salary of $450,000, subject to annual review. His employment will commence on October 8, 2026, with a one-year initial term that automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated with 60 days' prior notice. The first six months constitute a probationary period.
Mr. Szot is eligible for an annual cash bonus targeted at 50% of his base salary, contingent upon meeting performance targets set by the Board. He is also eligible to participate in the Company's Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, with target LTI awards ranging from 50% to 75% of his base salary each year, commencing in 2027. Furthermore, if the Company’s Common Stock is first listed on Nasdaq, Mr. Szot will be granted fully vested equity awards with a fair value of $200,000, provided he is employed on that date. The agreement also details severance terms, including a lump-sum payment of four weeks' base salary during the probationary period and three months' salary plus any earned bonus upon termination without cause after the probationary period.
