Medifast, Inc., the parent company of direct selling organization OPTAVIA, announced a planned leadership transition strategy for its most senior role in response to current Medifast Chairman and CEO Dan Chard’s decision to step down as CEO in June 2026. To support a seamless transition and provide “continuity and stability,” Medifast Chief Field Operations Officer Nicholas Johnson will move into the role of President, effective immediately.

Johnson joined Medifast in 2018 as Market President of OPTAVIA USA and has held a number of senior leadership roles since then. He will now work closely with Chard, who will remain Chairman of the Board, and the rest of the board members during what the company is calling a “deliberate transition period.” Johnson will assume the role of CEO following Chard’s departure this summer.

“This decision comes at a moment when I feel confidence in the direction of Medifast, the strength of our leadership team, and the path we are on as a metabolic health company,” said Dan Chard, Medifast Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past two years, we have repositioned the business, strengthened our scientific foundation and reinforced the coach-led model that differentiates us. Nick has played an instrumental role in that work, leading our shift to a metabolic health company, shaping our strategy, and building the operational discipline and accountability needed to sustain change. I have full confidence in Nick’s ability to lead this organization forward. His understanding of our business, our coaches and the discipline required to navigate this next phase gives me great conviction that Medifast is in very capable hands.”

The company also announced the departure of Tony Tyree, Medifast Chief Business Operations Officer, effectively immediately.