# Michael J. Kasbar

> Michael J. Kasbar is the co-founder of marine fuel services business Trans-Tec and executive chairman of World Kinect Corporation, operating commercially as World Fuel. Trans-Tec was acquired in 1995; Kasbar went on to serve as president and COO, CEO from January 2012 through December 2025, and chairman from 2014. A SUNY Plattsburgh environmental science graduate, he has spoken about collaborative management and supported a student energy business-plan competition. He is scheduled to step down as executive chairman on December 31, 2026, while remaining a director.

- **Role:** Executive Chairman at World Kinect Corporation (operating as World Fuel; scheduled to step down December 31, 2026)
- **Organizations:** Trans-Tec Services, Inc., World Fuel Services Americas, Inc., World Fuel Services Corporation / World Kinect Corporation, Business Roundtable (member, 2013-2025)
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, State University of New York at Plattsburgh
- **Known for:** Co-founded Trans-Tec, acquired in 1995., Served as World Kinect CEO for fourteen years, January 2012 through December 2025., Helped develop a marine fuel business into a broader global energy services platform.

## Career timeline

- **1977** — Graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh and entered marine fuel brokerage.
- **1985** — Co-founded Trans-Tec Services with Paul H. Stebbins; the 2026 proxy dates his officer, shareholder and director service from September 1985.
- **1995** — Trans-Tec acquired; became CEO of World Fuel Services Americas and joined the parent company board.
- **2002** — Became president and chief operating officer in July.
- **2012** — Became chief executive officer in January.
- **2014** — Became chairman in May.
- **2016-2017** — Supported an interdisciplinary energy and environment business-plan competition at SUNY Plattsburgh.
- **2023** — Led World Fuel Services when it changed its corporate name to World Kinect and ticker to WKC.
- **2026** — Transitioned from CEO to executive chairman January 1, with Ira M. Birns becoming CEO.
- **2026-09** — Company announced he would step down as executive chairman December 31, 2026, remain a director, and be succeeded as chair by Ken Bakshi.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Trans-Tec, acquired in 1995.
- Served as World Kinect CEO for fourteen years, January 2012 through December 2025.
- Helped develop a marine fuel business into a broader global energy services platform.
- Originated a SUNY Plattsburgh competition pairing business and environmental science students.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — September 17 announcement: Kasbar will step down as executive chairman effective December 31, 2026; Ken Bakshi will become independent chairman, and Kasbar will remain a director.
- **2026-04** — Company adopted World Fuel as its unified commercial brand, retaining World Kinect as its legal corporate name.
- **2026-01** — Ira M. Birns succeeded Kasbar as CEO; Kasbar became executive chairman.

## Links

- Website: https://ir.world-kinect.com/board-member/michael-kasbar
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kasbar-2b138a272

---

Profile page: https://yespress.io/michael-kasbar
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23