Skillsoft Appoints Ron Kisling as CFO
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 20 2026
0mins
Skillsoft announced that it has appointed Ron Kisling as CFO, effective immediately. Kisling is joining Skillsoft as the company begins the next phase of its transformation following the signing of the Global Knowledge business sale. Kisling is a public company CFO with more than 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years of CFO experience at high-growth technology companies. He most recently served in CFO roles at Fastly and Fitbit, where he led the finance organizations through important change and scale.
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Analyst Views on SKIL
About SKIL
Skillsoft Corp. provides personalized, interactive learning experiences and enterprise-ready solutions. The Company operates through two segments: Talent Development Solutions (TDS), and Global Knowledge (GK). Its TDS segment is comprised of both its organization platform and learner platform. GK segment includes its instructor-led training (ILT) platform. The Company provides more than 300,000 learning assets and more than 225,000 hours of learning experiences designed to help organizations and learners build critical technology, leadership, business, and compliance skills. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthened by a broad ecosystem of partners, the Company’s platform helps customers solve some of business challenges including bridging skill gaps, improving talent retention, driving digital transformation, and future-proofing the workforce.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Skillsoft Appoints New CFO Amid Strategic Changes
- Executive Change: Skillsoft has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately, succeeding retiring John Frederick, who will remain as an advisor until early September, indicating ongoing optimization and stability within the executive team.
- Financial Expertise: Kisling's previous CFO roles at Fastly and Fitbit provide him with extensive financial management experience, which is expected to bring new perspectives and drive to Skillsoft's financial strategy, helping the company maintain growth in a competitive market.
- Business Restructuring: Skillsoft announced the sale of its Global Knowledge business unit to an affiliate of Enduring Ventures as part of its strategic transformation efforts, aimed at optimizing resource allocation and focusing on core operations to enhance overall efficiency.
- Market Reaction: The dual moves of executive change and business sale may bolster investor confidence in Skillsoft, particularly against the backdrop of the company's efforts to improve financial performance and market competitiveness, likely resulting in a positive impact on stock price.
See More
Skillsoft Appoints New CFO Amid Strategic Transformation
- Executive Appointment: Skillsoft has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately, bringing over 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years as CFO at high-growth tech companies, which is expected to drive the company's strategic transformation and growth.
- Leadership Qualities: Kisling's previous roles at Fastly and Fitbit showcased his ability to lead finance teams through significant changes, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic insight that will enhance Skillsoft's financial discipline and operational efficiency in this new phase.
- Business Restructuring: This appointment aligns with Skillsoft's ongoing sale of its Global Knowledge business unit, which is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2026, further advancing the company's strategic transformation and optimizing resource allocation.
- Smooth Transition: Kisling succeeds the retiring John Frederick, who will act as an advisor, ensuring a smooth transition as Frederick's departure is unrelated to the company's financial or operational results, maintaining stability in the management team.
See More
Skillsoft Sells Training Business to Expand AI Platform
- Strategic Shift: Skillsoft has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Knowledge instructor-led training business to Enduring Ventures, aiming to accelerate its transition towards an AI-driven skills management platform, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Financial Impact: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Skillsoft's growth, earnings, and cash flow, with an initial consideration of $10 million and potential additional deferred payments of up to $10 million, reflecting the company's confidence in future revenue.
- Intellectual Property Security: The deferred payments will be backed by Global Knowledge's intellectual property rights and guaranteed by the business, with payments structured over five quarterly installments, ensuring transaction security and predictability while mitigating financial risks.
- Ongoing Partnership: Skillsoft and Enduring Ventures will maintain a strategic partnership, ensuring that customers continue to access instructor-led training and Skillsoft's digital learning platform, further solidifying both companies' market positions in the education sector.
See More
Skillsoft Shareholder Alert: Board Investigation Announced
- Board Investigation: Greenwich Legal Associates LLC is investigating whether the Board of Directors of Skillsoft Corporation breached their fiduciary duties in certain compensation decisions, potentially harming shareholder interests.
- Stock Price Decline: The investigation also examines the reasons behind the significant decline in stock value over the past year, indicating possible issues with corporate governance and management decisions that could undermine investor confidence.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The law firm encourages Skillsoft shareholders to understand their rights and options, offering free legal consultations to assist shareholders in protecting their interests.
- Law Firm Background: Greenwich Legal Associates LLC is a boutique law firm specializing in complex class action litigation in securities, antitrust, and consumer areas, demonstrating its expertise in the legal field.
See More
Skillsoft Q4 Earnings Analysis
- Revenue Decline: Skillsoft reported total revenue of $130.7 million in Q4, down 2.3% year-over-year, with Global Knowledge revenue declining by 9.4%, reflecting weak market demand and challenges in customer upgrade rates that could impact future growth potential.
- Increased Net Loss: The company recorded a GAAP net loss of $36.7 million in Q4, up from $31.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to an intangible impairment charge and rising restructuring expenses, indicating financial pressure in the current economic environment.
- Improved Free Cash Flow: Despite challenges, Skillsoft achieved positive free cash flow of $26.5 million in Q4, significantly up from $13.2 million last year, demonstrating effectiveness in cost control and cash management.
- Strategic Transformation: Skillsoft is undergoing a strategic review of Global Knowledge, and despite geopolitical uncertainties, the company plans to drive growth through restructuring and marketing investments, particularly in AI-driven product innovation, indicating a proactive approach to future market positioning.
See More
Skillsoft Corp. Q4 Earnings Highlights
- Widening Losses: Skillsoft Corp. reported a loss of $36.71 million in Q4, compared to a loss of $31.11 million in the same period last year, indicating ongoing pressure on the company's profitability.
- Declining EPS: The Q4 loss per share was $4.19, worsening from a loss of $3.75 per share in the previous year, reflecting challenges in cost control and revenue growth.
- Adjusted Earnings Performance: Despite the overall widening loss, Skillsoft reported adjusted earnings of $11.02 million in Q4, translating to $1.26 per share, suggesting that the company retains some profitability when excluding certain items.
- Slight Revenue Decline: Q4 revenue was $130.65 million, down from $133.75 million in the same quarter last year, highlighting the impact of weak market demand and intensified competition on the company's performance.
See More
Skillsoft Appoints New CFO Amid Strategic Changes
- Executive Change: Skillsoft has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately, succeeding retiring John Frederick, who will remain as an advisor until early September, indicating ongoing optimization and stability within the executive team.
- Financial Expertise: Kisling's previous CFO roles at Fastly and Fitbit provide him with extensive financial management experience, which is expected to bring new perspectives and drive to Skillsoft's financial strategy, helping the company maintain growth in a competitive market.
- Business Restructuring: Skillsoft announced the sale of its Global Knowledge business unit to an affiliate of Enduring Ventures as part of its strategic transformation efforts, aimed at optimizing resource allocation and focusing on core operations to enhance overall efficiency.
- Market Reaction: The dual moves of executive change and business sale may bolster investor confidence in Skillsoft, particularly against the backdrop of the company's efforts to improve financial performance and market competitiveness, likely resulting in a positive impact on stock price.
See More
Skillsoft Appoints New CFO Amid Strategic Transformation
- Executive Appointment: Skillsoft has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer effective immediately, bringing over 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years as CFO at high-growth tech companies, which is expected to drive the company's strategic transformation and growth.
- Leadership Qualities: Kisling's previous roles at Fastly and Fitbit showcased his ability to lead finance teams through significant changes, demonstrating strong leadership and strategic insight that will enhance Skillsoft's financial discipline and operational efficiency in this new phase.
- Business Restructuring: This appointment aligns with Skillsoft's ongoing sale of its Global Knowledge business unit, which is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2026, further advancing the company's strategic transformation and optimizing resource allocation.
- Smooth Transition: Kisling succeeds the retiring John Frederick, who will act as an advisor, ensuring a smooth transition as Frederick's departure is unrelated to the company's financial or operational results, maintaining stability in the management team.
See More
Skillsoft Sells Training Business to Expand AI Platform
- Strategic Shift: Skillsoft has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Global Knowledge instructor-led training business to Enduring Ventures, aiming to accelerate its transition towards an AI-driven skills management platform, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Financial Impact: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Skillsoft's growth, earnings, and cash flow, with an initial consideration of $10 million and potential additional deferred payments of up to $10 million, reflecting the company's confidence in future revenue.
- Intellectual Property Security: The deferred payments will be backed by Global Knowledge's intellectual property rights and guaranteed by the business, with payments structured over five quarterly installments, ensuring transaction security and predictability while mitigating financial risks.
- Ongoing Partnership: Skillsoft and Enduring Ventures will maintain a strategic partnership, ensuring that customers continue to access instructor-led training and Skillsoft's digital learning platform, further solidifying both companies' market positions in the education sector.
See More
Skillsoft Shareholder Alert: Board Investigation Announced
- Board Investigation: Greenwich Legal Associates LLC is investigating whether the Board of Directors of Skillsoft Corporation breached their fiduciary duties in certain compensation decisions, potentially harming shareholder interests.
- Stock Price Decline: The investigation also examines the reasons behind the significant decline in stock value over the past year, indicating possible issues with corporate governance and management decisions that could undermine investor confidence.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: The law firm encourages Skillsoft shareholders to understand their rights and options, offering free legal consultations to assist shareholders in protecting their interests.
- Law Firm Background: Greenwich Legal Associates LLC is a boutique law firm specializing in complex class action litigation in securities, antitrust, and consumer areas, demonstrating its expertise in the legal field.
See More
Skillsoft Q4 Earnings Analysis
- Revenue Decline: Skillsoft reported total revenue of $130.7 million in Q4, down 2.3% year-over-year, with Global Knowledge revenue declining by 9.4%, reflecting weak market demand and challenges in customer upgrade rates that could impact future growth potential.
- Increased Net Loss: The company recorded a GAAP net loss of $36.7 million in Q4, up from $31.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to an intangible impairment charge and rising restructuring expenses, indicating financial pressure in the current economic environment.
- Improved Free Cash Flow: Despite challenges, Skillsoft achieved positive free cash flow of $26.5 million in Q4, significantly up from $13.2 million last year, demonstrating effectiveness in cost control and cash management.
- Strategic Transformation: Skillsoft is undergoing a strategic review of Global Knowledge, and despite geopolitical uncertainties, the company plans to drive growth through restructuring and marketing investments, particularly in AI-driven product innovation, indicating a proactive approach to future market positioning.
See More
Skillsoft Corp. Q4 Earnings Highlights
- Widening Losses: Skillsoft Corp. reported a loss of $36.71 million in Q4, compared to a loss of $31.11 million in the same period last year, indicating ongoing pressure on the company's profitability.
- Declining EPS: The Q4 loss per share was $4.19, worsening from a loss of $3.75 per share in the previous year, reflecting challenges in cost control and revenue growth.
- Adjusted Earnings Performance: Despite the overall widening loss, Skillsoft reported adjusted earnings of $11.02 million in Q4, translating to $1.26 per share, suggesting that the company retains some profitability when excluding certain items.
- Slight Revenue Decline: Q4 revenue was $130.65 million, down from $133.75 million in the same quarter last year, highlighting the impact of weak market demand and intensified competition on the company's performance.
See More
