8-K: Tempest Therapeutics CFO Departs, New CFO Appointed

Tempest Therapeutics announced the immediate resignation of its CFO, Constance Ames, and the appointment of Stephanie Horn-Warnock as the new CFO, effective October 26, 2026.

Summary

• Constance Ames has resigned as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. for personal reasons, effective immediately on October 26, 2026.
• Stephanie Horn-Warnock has been appointed as the new CFO, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, Treasurer, and Corporate Secretary, also effective immediately on October 26, 2026.
• Ms. Horn-Warnock brings over 14 years of experience in accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and financial management across various healthcare and energy sectors.
• Her prior roles include Vice President of Finance at ROM Technologies Inc. and experience with Stout Risius Ross, LLC, Diasome Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Aspargo Labs, Inc., and Lomond Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.
• Ms. Horn-Warnock will serve as a consultant under an engagement letter dated October 28, 2026, with an hourly rate of $450 plus expenses and a 5.0% indirect cost allocation.
• There are no disclosed family relationships or reportable arrangements/understandings between Ms. Horn-Warnock and the company's directors or executive officers.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event, primarily a routine executive transition with no immediate financial implications disclosed.

Positives

• Appointment of a new CFO with extensive experience in financial leadership and reporting.
• The transition appears to be immediate, minimizing potential disruption.
• The new CFO has a strong background in accounting, financial reporting, auditing, and financial management within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Negatives

• The immediate departure of the CFO for personal reasons, while not attributed to company performance, can still create uncertainty.
• The new CFO will be engaged as a consultant, which may imply a temporary or transitional arrangement, and incurs additional costs ($450/hour + expenses + 5% indirect costs).

Risks

• Potential for a period of adjustment as the new CFO integrates into the company's financial operations.
• Reliance on a consultant CFO might indicate challenges in attracting a permanent executive, though this is not explicitly stated.

Future Outlook

No specific forward-looking financial guidance or outlook was provided in this filing, which solely concerns executive appointments and departures.

Management Comments

• Ms. Constance Ames confirmed to Tempest Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company) that she would be resigning from her position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and from any and all other positions she holds with the Company for personal considerations unrelated to the Company, effective immediately.

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that executive transitions, particularly for CFO roles, are common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, often driven by the demanding nature of the industry and the need for specialized financial expertise. The appointment of a consultant CFO is not unusual during such transitions.

Management Changes

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential short-term uncertainty due to CFO transition, but mitigated by the appointment of an experienced executive.
• Employees: May experience a period of adjustment to new leadership in financial matters.
• Creditors/Suppliers: No immediate impact anticipated, as financial operations are expected to continue uninterrupted.

Next Steps

• Integration of Stephanie Horn-Warnock into the CFO role.
• Ongoing financial management and reporting under the new CFO.

Key Dates

Keywords

CFO Appointment, Executive Departure, Financial Officer, Corporate Governance, Management Change, Consultant Agreement