Johnsonville announced the retirement of chief executive officer Nick Meriggioli, effective Dec. 31.
Don Fussner, who currently serves as Johnsonville’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer will succeed Meriggioli as CEO on Jan. 1, announced Johnsonville owner and chairperson Shelly Stayer.
Meriggioli was appointed Johnsonville’s CEO in 2015 by owner Ralph Stayer, who had served as CEO since 1968. During Meriggioli’s tenure, the company’s U.S. retail, foodservice and international businesses units grew significantly. Stayer said Meriggioli’s leadership during – and after the pandemic – was especially valuable, in simultaneously keeping manufacturing members safe and operations staffed to continue serving consumers.
She also recognized Meriggioli’s people-first approach in maintaining the company’s strong culture.
“If our culture remained a priority, high member engagement and business growth would follow. Nick has modeled that and has been a strong advocate for our Johnsonville Way culture, and we are especially grateful for his leadership,” Stayer said.
Succeeding Meriggioli is Don Fussner, who’s been with Johnsonville since 2019. He was hired as the company’s CFO and in 2022, added COO duties to his role, leading Johnsonville’s finance and end-to-end supply chain teams. In his time at Johnsonville serving in those two roles, Fussner championed many transformational programs across business planning, operational technologies and strategic sourcing.
Prior to joining Johnsonville, Fussner had a successful 24-year career at Kraft Foods and its Oscar Mayer business. Besides leading the Oscar Mayer business, he held several cross-functional and executive leadership roles in finance, operations and marketing.
“Don is a strategic and operational leader with proven success across the entire value chain. He is a strong coach and people-focused leader who will continue to prioritize Johnsonville’s unique culture,” said Stayer.
