Rob Franch's resignation as Chief Information Officer of Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV), effective August 13, 2026, carried a detailed separation agreement and no named successor. The same day Franch submitted his notice, the Houston-based company began a search to identify a replacement. What's changed is that the technology seat at CSV is now open with no timeline attached and no interim appointment on record.
The separation agreement, filed as an exhibit to the August 13 Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission, terminates Franch's employment agreement as of the effective date. Under its terms, Franch receives twelve months of salary continuation. The 2026 annual target bonus carries through as well, pro-rated for the number of days he was employed during the year and calculated on Carriage Services' full-year performance results. He can also elect up to eighteen months of continuing health coverage under COBRA. A seven-day revocation window applies, meaning the agreement was not yet final as of the filing date. The agreement includes customary release, confidentiality, non-competition, and non-disparagement provisions.
Carriage Services disclosed that the departure was not the result of any disagreement with the company or its Board of Directors on any matter related to operations, policies, or practices, including financial and accounting-related matters. Franch agreed to provide as-needed consulting and transition assistance to the company until December 31, 2026. John Enwright, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, signed the filing on August 14.
The counterargument is that a same-day resignation with a consulting commitment running through year-end reads as a planned exit rather than an abrupt break. The filing carries no language suggesting friction, and the terms are detailed. That framing holds.
On balance, the exit is documented and the separation is clean. Carriage Services has said the search is intended to ensure continued execution of its long-term strategic growth objectives. No interim leader has been named and no timeline has been set. That open seat is the line to watch.