World Kinect Names Ira M. Birns as CEO and Board Member, Strengthening Leadership for the Next Phase of Growth
World Kinect Corporation (NYSE: WKC), a leading global provider of energy management, logistics, and sustainability solutions, has announced a significant evolution in its executive leadership team, signaling a new chapter for the company’s long-term growth strategy. The Board of Directors has appointed Ira M. Birns as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2026. Birns will succeed Michael Kasbar, the current Chairman and CEO, who will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board on the same date.
The leadership changes extend beyond the CEO transition. John Rau, currently Chief Operating Officer, will be promoted to President, continuing his oversight of World Kinect’s global commercial operations. In addition, Mike Tejada, who serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) immediately following the filing of the company’s third-quarter 2025 Form 10-Q.
Leadership Transition to Drive Strategic Continuity
The company emphasized that these appointments align with its long-term strategy to accelerate growth, deepen customer relationships, and advance operational efficiency in an increasingly dynamic global energy landscape.
“Together, Ira, John, and Mike represent a world-class leadership team that will strengthen our ability to capture opportunities and deliver sustainable growth in today’s dynamic global energy market,” said Michael Kasbar, Chairman and CEO. “Ira has been instrumental in shaping the financial foundation of World Kinect. His leadership and deep understanding of our business will be critical as we expand customer solutions and pursue long-term value creation for shareholders. John’s elevation to President recognizes his proven track record in delivering measurable internal and customer-facing operational improvements. Mike’s appointment as CFO underscores our ongoing commitment to financial and operational rigor.”
A Proven Leader Taking the Helm
Ira M. Birns brings extensive leadership experience and financial acumen developed over more than a decade at World Kinect. Earlier in 2025, he was named President while retaining his position as Chief Financial Officer, a dual role in which he demonstrated strong stewardship of the company’s strategic and financial direction. As Executive Vice President and CFO before that, Birns played a central role in fortifying the company’s balance sheet, enhancing capital efficiency, and positioning World Kinect for sustained profitability and long-term shareholder value.
“I am honored to be appointed CEO and join the Board at such a pivotal moment in World Kinect’s journey,” said Birns. “With Michael’s continued support, John’s operational leadership, and Mike’s financial discipline, supported by our deeply experienced global team, we will continue strengthening our core businesses while delivering the long-term value of our platform through consistent execution and service excellence.”
John Rau to Drive Operational and Commercial Excellence
John Rau, who joined World Kinect in 2011, has played a critical role in enhancing the company’s operational performance, customer engagement, and global logistics capabilities. Since being named Chief Operating Officer in April 2025, Rau has focused on streamlining operations, improving efficiencies, and driving technology-enabled growth across World Kinect’s diverse business segments.
“As President, my focus will be to continue driving operational excellence and efficiency gains while advancing our commercial strategy for long-term value creation,” said Rau. “World Kinect’s success depends on our ability to deliver value-added energy and logistics solutions to customers worldwide, and I look forward to working closely with Ira, Mike, and our teams to advance that mission.”
Strengthening Financial Stewardship with a New CFO
With the promotion of Mike Tejada to Executive Vice President and CFO, World Kinect continues its emphasis on financial strength, transparency, and disciplined capital management. Tejada joined the company several years ago and has held multiple senior finance roles, including Chief Accounting Officer, where he was instrumental in driving financial reporting integrity and compliance excellence.
“World Kinect has built a reputation for financial discipline, transparency, and strong performance,” said Tejada. “I look forward to continuing that tradition and further strengthening our financial foundation to support the company’s growth objectives.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Vision
Under Michael Kasbar’s leadership, World Kinect has transformed from a regional fuel logistics provider into a global energy management and sustainability solutions leader serving thousands of customers in more than 200 countries and territories. The company’s offerings span fuel distribution, energy procurement, renewable energy solutions, carbon management, and digital logistics optimization.
As Executive Chairman, Kasbar will continue to play a pivotal advisory role, guiding the company’s long-term vision, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement. His ongoing involvement ensures continuity of strategy and support for the new leadership team as World Kinect accelerates its evolution toward a more sustainable and technology-driven energy platform.
Positioning for the Future
The leadership appointments arrive at a transformative moment for World Kinect, as the global energy sector undergoes rapid structural change. Increasing demand for decarbonization, digital integration, and resilient supply chains is redefining how energy management companies deliver value. World Kinect has positioned itself to meet these challenges head-on by leveraging its expertise in energy logistics, sustainability consulting, and data-driven customer solutions.
The incoming leadership trio—Birns, Rau, and Tejada—represents continuity with innovation. Together, they are expected to sharpen World Kinect’s focus on operational efficiency, renewable energy transition, and customer-centric service delivery, while also driving shareholder returns through disciplined growth strategies.
With more than a decade of steady financial progress and an expanding global footprint, World Kinect’s leadership changes mark not just a succession plan, but a strategic alignment for the future. As the company steps into 2026 with a renewed leadership team, it aims to further integrate technology, sustainability, and performance excellence—core pillars that define its path forward in the fast-evolving global energy ecosystem.
