World Acceptance Corporation has officially announced a significant leadership transition. The Board of Directors appointed John L. Calmes Jr. as President and CEO. Consequently, his appointment took effect on September 21, 2026. Previously, Mr. Calmes served as Executive Vice President. Furthermore, he acted as Chief Financial and Strategy Officer and Treasurer for World Acceptance Corporation. His vast internal experience positions World Acceptance Corporation for immediate operational stability. Additionally, this internal promotion ensures seamless continuity across strategic corporate initiatives.
“John has a deep understanding of our business and is largely responsible for the financial discipline we have maintained and our strong balance sheet,” said Board Chairman Ken Bramlett Jr. “He has the respect of the organization and will hit the ground running. The Board is confident that John is the right person to serve as our CEO and believes that he and his team can create value for our shareholders and the customers we serve.”
“I’m honored by the Board’s confidence and excited to lead World Acceptance into its next chapter,” said Mr. Calmes. “For more than 60 years, this Company has been committed to helping our customers achieve their financial goals, and I look forward to building on that legacy alongside our talented team. I’m optimistic about the future and the opportunities ahead as we continue to build on our solid foundation and deliver positive results for our stakeholders. Through two and a half months of the second fiscal quarter, our business is producing strong results similar to what we reported in the first quarter.”
Corporate Strategy Experience and Academic Background
Previously, Mr. Calmes managed capital market activities and strategic financial planning. Before joining this Corporation, he worked at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ. Specifically, he served as Director of Finance in Corporate and Investment Banking. Earlier, he held a Senior Manager position at PwC. There, he specialized in public banking and capital market clients. Academically, he earned degrees from the University of South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Accountancy from the Darla Moore School of Business.
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Source: Businesswire
