Skin Elements installs Rod Nicholas as Executive Chairman and appoints new CFO
On 28 October 2026, Skin Elements Limited (ASX: SKN) advised that Chief Executive Officer Mr Peter Malone and Chief Financial Officer Mr Craig Piercy have ceased their executive engagements with the Company, effective immediately.
Non-Executive Chairman Mr Roderick (Rod) Nicholas has agreed to assume the role of Executive Chairman, and Mr Jay Stephenson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, both effective immediately. The Company stated there is no change to its near-term priorities.
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Who is Rod Nicholas?
Commercial background
Mr Nicholas has more than 30 years’ executive leadership and commercial experience across the consumer products, food, retail, financial services and biotechnology sectors. The Company describes him as an experienced commercial executive and a substantial shareholder, which gives him a direct financial interest alongside other investors.
He serves as Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Kingsbury Wealth, Kingsbury Investment Fund and the Tarrod Group (including Tarrod Enterprises and Tarrod Investments), where he directs multi-sector capital deployment and operational management.
His experience includes scaling a multi-site retail business within the Tarrod Group to approximately $15 million in peak annual turnover and more than 250 employees prior to its sale.
Role and terms
As Executive Chairman, Mr Nicholas will take direct responsibility, supported by the Board, for:
- The Company’s day-to-day commercial operations
- Product development
- Operational continuity
- Commercialisation of the Company’s product portfolio
A summary of the material terms of his executive engagement is set out in Annexure A of the announcement. The key terms disclosed are below.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total remuneration package | $120,000 per annum |
| Termination by either party | Three months’ written notice |
| Termination by the Company | Immediately for cause |
Mr Nicholas said the Board is pursuing a particular approach to its core products:
Rod Nicholas, Executive Chairman
“…The Board is taking a disciplined, cost-managed approach to accelerating the commercialisation of our core product portfolio. In stepping into this executive role alongside the Board, I look forward to working directly with our team and partners to advance the development and commercialisation of our current products and grow value for shareholders.”
New CFO Jay Stephenson brings 35 years of experience
Mr Stephenson is described as an experienced finance executive with more than 35 years’ experience in business development and corporate advisory roles. This includes approximately 29 years as a Director, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary for various listed and unlisted entities in the resources sector and other industries in Australia and overseas.
His credentials include:
- Master of Business Administration
- Chartered Accountant and Fellow of CPA Australia
- Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada)
- Certified Management Accountant (Canada)
- Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia
For investors, the appointment places a finance executive with listed-company CFO and Company Secretary experience in the finance seat.
Business continuity and the product portfolio
What the Board says stays the same
The Company stated that development and commercialisation of product lines Soleo Organics, PapayaActivs, SuprCuvr and ECO-Nurture, will continue. The Board will work closely with the Company’s team to help secure continuity of operations and of the Company’s relationships with customers, distributors and suppliers.
Why leadership changes matter for small-cap investors
A Non-Executive Chairman leads the Board and oversees strategy but does not run the business day to day. An Executive Chairman holds the same Board leadership position and also takes on management responsibilities.
In a small company moving towards commercialisation, changes at executive level can affect how quickly plans are carried out. Here, Mr Nicholas takes direct responsibility for day-to-day commercial operations, so accountability for execution now sits with the Board’s lead.
Skin Elements describes itself as an Australian-owned and operated ASX-listed natural biotechnology company focused on the development of its SE Formula Biotechnology. Its product portfolio includes the TGA-registered hospital-grade plant-based disinfectant SuprCuvr, the ECO-Nurture plant bio-stimulant and the Elizabeth Jane Natural Cosmetics brand.
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