SenesTech, Inc. Undergoes Leadership Transition: CEO Joel Fruendt Retires, Jamie Bechtel Appointed Interim Executive Chair

SenesTech, Inc., a pioneer in innovative pest management with its ContraPest fertility control product for rodents, recently announced a pivotal leadership transition. This report outlines the departure of its long-standing CEO and the immediate actions the company is taking to ensure smooth continuity.

1. The Leadership Change

Joel L. Fruendt, SenesTech's President and Chief Executive Officer, announced his retirement from both the company and its Board of Directors. To ensure stable leadership during this critical transition, the Board promptly appointed Jamie Bechtel, an existing independent director, as Interim Executive Chair.

2. Key Dates and Timeline

Mr. Fruendt informed the company of his retirement on January 22, 2026. His last day will be no later than June 30, 2026, or earlier if a permanent CEO is appointed. Ms. Bechtel's interim appointment became effective shortly thereafter, on January 26, 2026.

3. Context and Rationale

Mr. Fruendt's departure is a retirement, signaling a planned transition for SenesTech. The Board swiftly appointed Ms. Bechtel to provide immediate stability and strategic oversight. As Interim Executive Chair, Ms. Bechtel will leverage her experience as an independent director to lead the Board and management team, overseeing daily operations and guiding the search for a permanent CEO. This move aims to minimize disruption and maintain focus on SenesTech's strategic objectives.

4. Financial Implications for Investors

This leadership transition brings notable financial implications:

• Severance Package: Mr. Fruendt will receive his base salary through December 15, 2026, and health insurance coverage until December 31, 2026. Importantly, all his outstanding stock options will vest immediately. This accelerated vesting of stock options represents a substantial non-cash expense that will impact the company's financial statements. Its precise value depends on the stock price and the options' specific terms.
• Interim Compensation: Ms. Bechtel will receive an annual compensation of $247,500 for her interim role.

These combined costs represent additional operating expenses for SenesTech during this transition, potentially impacting short-term profitability and cash flow. Investors should monitor future financial reports to understand the full impact of these expenses.

5. Strategic and Operational Impact

A CEO change often signals potential shifts in a company's strategic direction. SenesTech's current strategy focuses on expanding ContraPest's market adoption and advancing its R&D pipeline. While Ms. Bechtel's interim role ensures continuity, a new CEO's eventual appointment could introduce fresh perspectives, potentially influencing product development, market expansion, and overall corporate strategy. During this period, the company must maintain operational momentum while navigating a significant leadership transition.

6. Key Risks for Investors

Investors should be aware of several potential risks associated with this transition:

• Prolonged CEO Search: An extended search for a permanent CEO could create uncertainty, potentially affecting employee morale, operational focus, and investor confidence.
• Operational Disruption: Despite interim leadership, significant changes at the top can sometimes temporarily disrupt ongoing projects or strategic initiatives.
• Market Perception: Leadership changes can increase stock price volatility as the market assesses the transition's implications and the company's future direction.
• Strategic Shift Uncertainty: While a new CEO might bring positive changes, the uncertainty surrounding their future vision and priorities could be a short-term concern for investors.

7. What Investors Should Monitor Next

SenesTech's immediate priority is to conduct a comprehensive and expedited search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer. Investors should closely monitor:

• CEO Search Updates: Look for announcements regarding the search process, potential candidates, and ultimately, the appointment of a new leader.
• Financial Disclosures: Future earnings reports will clarify the financial impact of the severance package and interim compensation on the company's profitability and cash flow.
• Strategic Articulation: Once a permanent CEO is in place, their vision and strategic priorities will be crucial for assessing the company's future trajectory and potential growth areas.
• Operational Performance: Continued focus on ContraPest sales growth and R&D progress will serve as key indicators of the company's stability and execution capabilities during this period.