Leadership Transition

Liberty Global announced that Chairman John C. Malone will transition to Chairman Emeritus on January 1, 2026. Current CEO Mike Fries will succeed him as Chairman, maintaining his CEO role. Malone will remain a significant shareholder and provide strategic counsel. Fries has served as CEO since 2005 and will continue to guide the company, building upon Liberty Global’s focus on converged services, gigabit broadband, and shareholder value. The Board will consist of ten directors, with nine being independent. Liberty Global focuses on connectivity and investment to deliver long-term shareholder value.

Kulicke & Soffa (K&S) announced the retirement of Chan Pin Chong, EVP & GM of K&S Products & Solutions, effective December 1, 2025. Simultaneously, Ivy Qin and John Molnar, VPs & GMs of Wire Bonding and Advanced Solutions respectively, have been promoted to report directly to CEO Fusen Chen. This organizational restructuring emphasizes agility in the semiconductor market and leverages internal talent to drive growth. The experienced Qin and Molnar will be crucial in navigating technological advancements and global demands in semiconductor manufacturing.

Plumas Bank (PLBC) announces the retirement of Chief Credit Officer Jeff Moore at the end of 2025. Moore significantly enhanced the bank’s credit operations through technological upgrades and new loan products during his tenure. Kevin Kaiser, Senior Vice President and Credit Administrator, will succeed Moore, ensuring continuity and leveraging his commercial and agricultural lending experience. The transition comes as Plumas Bank navigates the evolving fintech landscape, balancing traditional banking and technological innovation. President Ryback emphasized Moore’s lasting contributions and expressed confidence in Kaiser’s leadership.

General Enterprise Ventures (GEVI) appointed Wes Bolsen as CEO, succeeding Ted Ralston, who becomes Chairman. Bolsen, with experience in scaling technology companies including LaderaTech and Perimeter Solutions, will focus on growth and innovation, particularly within the wildfire protection sector. Ralston will focus on strategic partnerships. The company highlights the potential of its CitroTech fire inhibitor, emphasizing its environmental safety and effectiveness in wildfire prevention, aiming to expand market reach and pursue a listing on a national stock exchange.

SonicStrategy Inc. announced Dustin Zinger as CEO, replacing Mitchell Demeter who becomes Executive Chair and CEO of Sonic Labs. This aims to strengthen validator operations and network growth. The company also commenced trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and initiated a €100,000 marketing campaign to target European investors. The leadership shift and expanded market presence are designed to accelerate growth in the blockchain validation market.

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center Director, Joseph Pelfrey, has resigned amidst the agency’s intensified Artemis program. Pelfrey cited the need for leadership alignment to execute lunar return missions. NASA is initiating a public search for his replacement at the center, which manages a $5 billion budget and over 6,000 employees. The resignation, considered unexpected by insiders, has raised concerns about potential disruptions to Artemis hardware development, especially given recent budgetary pressures and workforce efficiency initiatives within NASA.

HUTCHMED (HCM) CEO Dr. Weiguo Su is taking a leave of absence for health reasons. CFO Johnny Cheng has been appointed Acting CEO, retaining his CFO responsibilities. The Board assures that ongoing research, development, and commercial activities will remain on track. Dr. Su expressed confidence in the team’s ability to execute the company’s strategy. Cheng acknowledged Dr. Su’s 20 years of leadership and contributions to HUTCHMED.

Henry Schein, Inc. announced that Stanley M. Bergman will retire as CEO at the end of 2025 after 35 years in the role, but will remain Chairman of the Board. A nationally recognized firm will search for a successor. Under Bergman’s leadership, Henry Schein transformed into a global healthcare solutions company, with revenue growing from $225 million in 1989 to $12.7 billion in 2024, representing an approximate compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. The company also delivered a non-GAAP EPS CAGR of 12.4% over the same period.

Apple COO Jeff Williams to retire later this year after 27 years. Instrumental in global operations, launching the Apple Watch, and leading the design team, he will stay in transition until year-end. Tim Cook praised Williams’ immense contributions. Sabih Khan, current head of global supply chain, will succeed Williams as COO, ensuring a seamless transition. Williams plans to dedicate more time to family. (98 words)

Aranjin Resources Ltd. has appointed Thomas Wood as CEO, effective immediately. Wood brings extensive experience in economic policy, business strategy, and investment from both public and private sectors, including roles in the Australian Senate and managing mining investments. Matthew Wood will shift to Executive Chair. The company anticipates Wood’s leadership will drive growth, particularly for its Victory Project.