World Acceptance Corporation (NASDAQ: WRLD) announced on September 17, 2026, that its Board of Directors has appointed John L. Calmes Jr. as President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is effective September 21, 2026. Mr. Calmes succeeds J. Tobin Turner, who previously served as the Company’s Principal Executive Officer for SEC reporting purposes.
Mr. Calmes, age 46, joins the Company from his previous role as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, and Treasurer, a position he has held since October 2018. He has been with World Acceptance since December 2013, initially serving as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Calmes served as Director of Finance — Corporate and Investment Banking at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and as a Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
In connection with the appointment, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Calmes dated September 21, 2026. The agreement stipulates a base salary of $600,000. The executive is eligible for an annual incentive bonus opportunity of up to 100% of his base salary, with a guaranteed bonus of $300,000 for fiscal 2027. Additionally, Mr. Calmes will receive an additional long-term equity incentive grant valued at $500,000. The agreement also includes standard severance and change-in-control provisions, as well as customary restrictive covenants.
The Company also announced that Scott McIntyre, age 50, has been designated to succeed Mr. Calmes as the Principal Financial Officer for SEC reporting purposes. Mr. McIntyre will continue in his role as Senior Vice President of Accounting, a position he has held since October 2018. There were no changes to Mr. McIntyre’s compensation in connection with this designation.
