World Kinect CEO to transition to chairman role, Ira Birns to succeed

World Kinect (WKC) announced a series of executive leadership appointments. Effective January 1, 2026, the board of directors has appointed Ira Birns as CEO and as a member of the board of directors. Birns succeeds Michael Kasbar, the company’s chairman and CEO. Kasbar will transition to executive chairman of the board, effective January 1, 2026. Also effective January 1, 2026, John Rau, currently COO, has been promoted to president and will continue to oversee the company’s global commercial operations. Mike Tejada, currently senior VP and chief accounting officer, is being promoted to executive VP and CFO effective immediately after the filing of the company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30.