Nanophase Technologies Appoints Kevin Cureton as CEO, Names Laura Riffner CFO

Nanophase Technologies Corporation appoints Kevin Cureton as CEO and Laura Riffner as CFO. The company specializes in minerals-based healthcare solutions for beauty and life science categories, offering production services from materials engineering to commercial manufacturing and packaging. Its subsidiary, Solesence, markets and sells skincare products developed using the company's surface-engineered zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Solésence, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLSN), a leader in scientifically-driven health care solutions across beauty and life science categories, has announced strategic changes to its executive leadership. Kevin Cureton has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, while Laura Riffner has been appointed Chief Financial Officer. Jess Jankowski, who has been at the helm of the company since 2009, will serve as Board Advisor until his retirement on November 21, 2025 [1].

These appointments are part of a wider strategic transformation for the company. In the first half of 2025, Solésence rebranded from Nanophase Technologies, a move that reflected the success of the Solésence Beauty Science platform and solidified the company’s mission to deliver joy through innovation, inclusivity, and the science of beautiful skin. The company also uplisted to Nasdaq, increasing its visibility with the investment community and driving greater value to its shareholders [1].

Kevin Cureton, who has been a driving force behind the company’s expansion and innovation, will now lead the company as President and Chief Executive Officer. Laura Riffner, with decades of financial expertise, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer to enhance operational excellence and efficiency. Jess Jankowski, who has been instrumental in the company’s growth, will serve as Board Advisor [1].

Laura Riffner brings over 35 years of experience in finance management and strategic planning. She has a proven track record of maximizing profitability, having previously served as Chief Financial Officer and then as Chief Finance and Strategy Officer at Nagase America. She also held similar roles at Paxton/Patterson, where she led the development of new forecasting models [1].

These appointments are expected to position Solésence for continued success in delivering high-performance skin care, sun care, and color cosmetics products to its brand partners and, ultimately, consumers worldwide. The company’s evolution from an advanced materials company to a skin health innovator is a testament to the leadership of Jess Jankowski, who is transitioning to a Board Advisor role [1].

Looking forward, Solésence is well-positioned to leverage its expertise in materials engineering and commercial manufacturing to drive growth and innovation in the beauty and life science sectors. The company’s surface-engineered zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used by major global consumer products companies for sunscreens and skin health-focused personal care products [2].

References
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SLSN/solesence-announces-key-leadership-appointments-to-drive-future-imam1vvda0bn.html
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SOLESENCE-INC-120787307/