Johnsonville CEO to retire, Oscar Mayer exec to replace

Johnsonville Sausage CEO Ralph C. Stayer will retire and be succeeded by former Oscar Mayer president Nick Meriggioli, the company announced Saturday morning.

Stayer has served as CEO of the privately-owned Sheboygan Falls company since 1968. His retirement will be effective April 1, but he will continue to serve as chariman of the company's Board, according to a news release from Johnsonville.

Johnsonville started as a small butcher shop in 1945. Under Stayer's leadership, the company has grown to become the No. 1 national brand of sausage, available in all 50 states and 40 countries, according to the release.

Stayer's unique leadership style is credited for much of the company's success. He shared his management philosophy in the best-selling leadership book "Flight of the Buffalo" and also has authored the article "How I Learned to Let My Workers Lead" for the Harvard Business Review.

"Over the last 70 years, we have worked hard to build a distinctive culture and make exceptional products for our customers," Stayer, who also owns the company, said in the release. "I am pleased to welcome Nick and confident that his track record of building and empowering people is the perfect fit for the company and our members."

Meriggioli spent more than 20 years working at Kraft Foods in increasingly senior marketing positions. For the last 10 years, he led the Madison-based Oscar Mayer business.

Meriggioli holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.

"During my time at Oscar Mayer, I have admired Ralph Stayer and the success of the Johnsonville business," Meriggioli said in the release. "I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead this great company and look forward to continuing their impressive growth and business performance."

William Morgan will continue to serve as president.

Johnsonville was founded in 1945 by the late Ralph F. and Alice Stayer. The company employs approximately 1,500 people.

For additional Johnsonville company information, the latest recipes, contests and the Big Taste Grill tour schedule, visit www.johnsonville.com.