San Antonio, Texas-based Kiolbassa Smoked Meats is making some leadership changes effective July 1, 2025, announcing Michael Johnson as the new president of the company and the transition of current president, Bill Wagner, to the newly created executive vice-chairman position. Further, Jerry Carnes, vice president of sales, will add management responsibilities and join the company’s senior team.
Michael Kiolbassa, CEO and chairman of the board, said Johnson is the “ideal person” to guide Kiolbassa moving forward, noting that Johnson has grown with the company, from a summer intern to an executive leader.
Johnson began his journey with Kiolbassa on a full-time basis 18 years ago after earning an MBA from Texas Tech University. He has held numerous roles in that time, including director of marketing and senior vice president of organizational development & finance. He most recently served as chief revenue and marketing officer.
Johnson helped integrate Values-Based Leadership and the Great Game of Business into the company’s culture, and he also played a major role in Kiolbassa’s Lean Manufacturing Principles integration efforts.
Wagner became the company’s first non-family member president in July 2022, and in his new role, he will serve as a strategic advisor to the senior team, focused especially on mentoring the finance department and supporting long-term planning.