World Acceptance Corporation named John L. Calmes Jr. president and chief executive officer, effective Sept. 21, 2026, elevating him from executive vice president, chief financial and strategy officer, and treasurer.
The company said Calmes has been a central figure in its financial discipline and balance sheet strength. Board Chairman Ken Bramlett Jr. said Calmes “is the right person to serve as our CEO,” while Calmes said the business is producing “strong results similar to what we reported in the first quarter” through the first two and a half months of the second fiscal quarter.
No financial figures were disclosed in the release, but the company highlighted several operating markers: It serves more than one million customers each year. It operates more than 1,000 community-based World Finance branches. Its footprint spans 16 states. The company was founded in 1962, giving it more than 60 years in business.
Calmes previously oversaw financial strategy, capital markets activities and corporate strategy initiatives. Before joining World Acceptance, he was director of finance in corporate and investment banking at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and earlier a senior manager at PwC. Following these announcements, the company's shares moved -2.1%, and are now trading at a price of $178.325. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
