Highlights:

  • Atomo Diagnostics was trading at AUD 0.018, flat during the morning Trading session on 19 August 2026.
  • Managing Director and CEO John Kelly has stepped down from his role effective 19 August 2026.
  • Dr Cheri Walker has been appointed interim CEO under an initial six-month consulting arrangement.
  • The Leadership transition reflects Atomo’s focus on international commercial markets, particularly the United States and Europe.
  • The company has commenced preparations for a global search process for a permanent CEO.

Atomo Diagnostics Limited (ASX:AT1) has announced a transition in executive leadership, with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Kelly stepping down from his roles as director and CEO effective 19 August 2026.

Atomo Diagnostics was trading at AUD 0.018, unchanged during the morning trading session on 19 August 2026, while the stock remained down 10.00% over the past year. The company’s update outlined changes to its leadership structure as it prepares for the next stage of its international commercial activities.

Leadership Transition Aligns With International Commercial Focus

Atomo’s Board has appointed US-based Dr Cheri Walker as interim CEO, effective immediately, following the decision to reposition executive leadership in line with the company’s evolving international commercial footprint.

The company stated that a greater proportion of its commercial activity and potential is now concentrated in the United States and Europe, leading the Board to consider a leadership structure aligned more closely with these key markets.

Dr Walker has served on Atomo’s Board of Directors since 2022 and was Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for the past year. She has now transitioned into an executive director role alongside her interim CEO responsibilities.

John Kelly Steps Down After Co-Founder Role

John Kelly, a co-founder of Atomo, played a key role in developing the company’s core technology, launching its initial HIV product, securing its ASX listing and establishing its international commercial platform.

The company acknowledged Mr Kelly’s contribution in building Atomo from its early development stage into a publicly listed diagnostics company with international commercial activities.

To support continuity during the transition, Mr Kelly has agreed to assist Dr Walker as interim CEO, facilitating the transfer of knowledge, relationships and strategic priorities. Atomo has agreed to pay Mr Kelly an additional three months’ salary for this transition support work and 14 weeks’ salary following the cessation of his employment as CEO.

Dr Cheri Walker Takes Interim CEO Position

Dr Walker brings more than 25 years of experience working with public and private life science and diagnostics companies, according to Atomo.

Her experience includes commercial execution, investor relations, strategy, licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and diagnostic regulatory systems including IVD, IVDR, MDR, MDSAP and ISO13485 quality frameworks.

The company noted that Dr Walker’s US base reflects the Board’s intention to align executive leadership with Atomo’s primary commercial markets.

Dr Walker’s interim CEO appointment is structured as an initial six-month consulting arrangement, with the option to extend for further six-month periods by mutual agreement. Total payments during the initial six-month term will be A$222,500, equivalent to A$37,083 per month.

Her existing non-executive director remuneration fees will continue unchanged.

Company Shifts Towards Commercial and Product Development Focus

Atomo stated that the leadership transition reflects a broader change in Business requirements as the company moves from a technical and development focus towards a more commercial and sales-driven approach.

The company is seeking to build a diagnostics business with its own proprietary product pipeline for professional and consumer use, expanding from its existing role as a technology provider inside other diagnostics companies’ products.

Atomo highlighted that novel tests targeting syphilis and liver function have been developed and are progressing towards commercialisation.

Global CEO Search Process to Begin

Alongside Dr Walker’s interim appointment, Atomo will commence a formal global search process to appoint a permanent CEO.

The company stated that the next phase of its development will focus on commercial execution and expanding international market opportunities, particularly in the United States.

Non-Executive Chair Mr Cook acknowledged Mr Kelly’s contribution over more than 15 years, including his role as co-founder, inventor, CEO and contributor to the company’s ASX listing.

Mr Cook said the Board would support Dr Walker as interim CEO as Atomo progresses into its next phase of commercial development.

Investor Takeaway

Atomo’s latest update marks a change in executive leadership as the company aligns its management structure with its international commercial focus. The appointment of Dr Cheri Walker as interim CEO provides continuity while the company begins a global search for a permanent leader.

Investors may continue watching Atomo’s progress in commercialising its proprietary diagnostic products, particularly its syphilis and liver function tests, alongside developments from the permanent CEO search process.