DroneShield (ASX:DRO) CEO Oleg Vornik has addressed investor concerns regarding his recent $50 million stock sale, characterising the move as a necessary step to manage a massive tax obligation and ensure personal financial stability.
Speaking during a shareholder call on Jan. 28, Vornik clarified that the primary trigger for the sell-off was a $25 million tax bill incurred after exercising performance options.
Beyond the tax requirements, Vornik admitted that the remaining proceeds were used to pay off a mortgage and cover "out of control" renovation costs, ultimately allowing him to secure a financial future that stands in stark contrast to his upbringing in social housing.
The disclosure of these sales late last year initially rattled the market, causing DroneShield’s share price to plunge 30% in a single day.
However, Vornik pushed back against the narrative that he was exiting the company.
He emphasised that he maintains a multi-million dollar equity position through remaining stock options and remains fully committed to the firm’s long-term success.
Vornik also noted that the company's share price has since recovered, trading higher now than when his sell-off began in November 2025.
Furthermore, Vornik defended the decision of several DroneShield employees who also sold shares during the same window.
He highlighted the intense personal sacrifices and "significant effort" required from the team to meet the company’s aggressive revenue targets, expressing support for staff members who chose to realise some financial gains.
At the time of reporting, DroneShield's share price was $3.98.