Kiolbassa Smoked Meats, the San Antonio-based smoked sausage company known for its premium products and purpose-driven culture, today announced a strategic leadership transition effective July 1, 2025, marking the beginning of its FY26. Michael Johnson has been named President of the company, while current President Bill Wagner will transition into the newly created role of Executive Vice-Chairman. In addition, Vice President of Sales Jerry Carnes will assume expanded management responsibilities and join the company's Senior Team.

The succession plan was created by Michael Kiolbassa and unanimously approved by the company's Board of Directors and Advisory Board in the latest board meeting.

"Michael Johnson is a remarkable leader whose deep understanding of our business, operational excellence, and values-driven leadership make him the ideal person to guide us into our next chapter," said Michael Kiolbassa, CEO and chairman of the board. "He has grown alongside this company — from summer intern to executive leader—and has earned the full confidence of our board, our team, and our family."

Johnson joined Kiolbassa Smoked Meats full-time after earning his MBA from Texas Tech University and has held numerous leadership roles over his 18-year tenure, including director of marketing, senior vice president of organizational development and finance, and most recently, chief revenue and marketing officer. He played a key role in integrating Values-Based Leadership and the Great Game of Business into the company culture. Johnson has had a major role in the company's implementation of Lean Manufacturing Principles throughout the organization, and he co-developed the company's strategic business pillars in 2022 which have guided the company's growth for the past three years.

"I'm incredibly honored and thankful for the opportunity to serve as President of Kiolbassa Provision Co.. This company has played a major role in my life over the past two decades, and I'm grateful for the trust placed in me. I'm committed to carrying forward our legacy of integrity, quality, and care for our people as we continue building a business that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others," Johnson said.

Current President Bill Wagner, who has led the company since July 2022 as its first non-family president, will transition to executive vice-chairman. In this role, he will serve as a strategic advisor to the Senior Team, with a special focus on mentoring the Finance department and supporting long-term planning as a member of the Board of Directors.

"Bill's steady leadership and commitment to building a lasting legacy for our family business have been invaluable," Kiolbassa said. "He has accomplished more than we imagined possible in just a few years, and his continued presence will be instrumental as we move forward."

The company also announced that Jerry Carnes, vice president of sales, will assume expanded responsibilities in managing the sales function and will join the Senior Team. This change reflects Kiolbassa's continued investment in leadership development and the importance of a strong, aligned sales strategy.

"I'm excited for what the future holds with Michael Johnson at the helm, supported by a deeply talented leadership team," Kiolbassa said. "With strong leaders all aligned, I'm confident in our continued growth and ability to enrich lives across the communities we serve."

Source: Kiolbassa Smoked Meats