Skillsoft has appointed Ron Kisling as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately, as the company moves into its next phase following the planned sale of its Global Knowledge business. Kisling succeeds John Frederick, who is retiring from the CFO role and will remain with the company as an advisor through early September.
Kisling brings more than 40 years of finance experience, including 15 years in CFO roles at high-growth technology companies. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Fastly and Fitbit, where he led finance organizations during periods of expansion and change.
His background also includes Chief Financial Officer roles at several technology companies, including Nanometrics, PGP Corporation, Saba Software, and SPL WorldGroup. Skillsoft CEO Ron Hovsepian said Kisling has the financial discipline and operational experience needed as the company continues simplifying its operating model.
The appointment follows Skillsoft’s announcement that it has agreed to sell its Global Knowledge business unit to an affiliate of Enduring Ventures. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2026.
Kisling said Skillsoft has made “important progress” and that he looks forward to working with Hovsepian and the leadership team to build on the company’s momentum and support its next phase of growth.