SenesTech Announces CEO Transition Plan

Board To Initiate Search For New Leadership As Current CEO Plans Retirement

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:31pm

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SenesTech, Inc., a pioneer in fertility control solutions for managing rodent populations, announced that Joel Fruendt, President and Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors of his intent to retire. The Board will commence a formal search for a successor, and Mr. Fruendt will continue to serve as President and CEO until the search is completed or until June 30, 2026, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the Board has appointed Dr. Jamie Bechtel, current Chair of the Board, to the newly created role of Interim Executive Chair to support the transition.

Why it matters

SenesTech is a leading provider of innovative fertility control solutions for rodent management, and the CEO transition is a significant event for the company as it looks to build on the successful launch of its Evolve product and continue its growth trajectory. The appointment of an Interim Executive Chair also signals the Board's commitment to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition.

The details

Mr. Fruendt joined SenesTech in 2022 and has overseen the company's development and launch of its Evolve product across multiple retail and professional channels. As Interim Executive Chair, Dr. Bechtel will partner with management to support strategic alignment, execution discipline, and clear communication between the Board and the leadership team. The Board will engage an executive search firm to identify a qualified successor to lead SenesTech in its next chapter.

  • Joel Fruendt informed the Board of his intent to retire on January 28, 2026.
  • Mr. Fruendt will continue to serve as President and CEO until the search is completed or until June 30, 2026, whichever occurs first.
  • Dr. Jamie Bechtel was appointed to the newly created role of Interim Executive Chair on January 28, 2026.

The players

Joel Fruendt

President and Chief Executive Officer of SenesTech, Inc. who has informed the Board of his intent to retire.

Dr. Jamie Bechtel

Current Chair of the Board of SenesTech, Inc. who has been appointed to the newly created role of Interim Executive Chair to support the transition.

Michael Edell

Interim Chief Operating Officer of SenesTech, Inc. who will continue leading the day-to-day execution of the company's plans.

Tom Chesterman

Chief Financial Officer of SenesTech, Inc. who will continue leading the day-to-day execution of the company's plans.

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What they’re saying

“Joel has played a pivotal role in positioning SenesTech for future growth, particularly through the successful launch of Evolve®, and a renewed focus on operational execution. We are grateful for his leadership and his dedication to the Company's mission.”

— Dr. Jamie Bechtel, Chair of the Board (PRNewswire)

“It has been a privilege to lead the SenesTech team through this important chapter in the Company's growth. We've made strong progress expanding access to our effective and sustainable fertility control solutions, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together. As I plan for my retirement, I remain committed to supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition.”

— Joel Fruendt, President and Chief Executive Officer (PRNewswire)

“The Board has full confidence in a smooth and orderly transition, supported by our strong management team. Interim COO Michael Edell and CFO Tom Chesterman will continue leading the day-to-day execution of our plans. As Interim Executive Chair, I will be supporting the management team during this transitional period by helping ensure strategic alignment, execution discipline, and clear communication between the Board and the organization.”

— Dr. Jamie Bechtel, Interim Executive Chair (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The Board will engage an executive search firm to assist in identifying a qualified successor to lead SenesTech in its next chapter.

The takeaway

SenesTech's CEO transition plan demonstrates the company's commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership change as it continues to grow and expand its innovative fertility control solutions for rodent management. The appointment of an Interim Executive Chair signals the Board's focus on strategic alignment and execution during this transitional period.