Medifast announced a planned leadership transition designed to provide continuity and stability as the company continues its evolution toward metabolic health.
Medifast Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Dan Chard has informed the Board of Directors that he plans to step down as Chief Executive Officer in June 2026. Chard will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board following the transition.
The Board has appointed Medifast’s Chief Field Operations Officer Nicholas Johnson as President of Medifast, effective immediately. Johnson will work closely with Chard and the Board during a deliberate transition period and is expected to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer following Chard’s departure.
“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, Chief Executive Officer of Medifast. “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’m honored to take this new role, and grateful for the opportunity to continue working closely with Dan during this transition,” said Nicholas Johnson, President of Medifast. “Dan’s leadership has guided the company through a period of meaningful change, and I’ve learned a great deal from working alongside him. I look forward to continuing that partnership and working with the Board, the leadership team, and our coaches to build on the progress already underway. Medifast has a clear mission, a differentiated model, and a strong community, and I’m excited about the opportunity ahead.”
In addition to the change in leadership, Medifast’s Chief Business Operations Officer Tony Tyree will be leaving the company effective immediately. Medifast thanks Tyree for his leadership and contributions, and wishes him well in his future endeavors.
Nicholas Johnson joined Medifast in 2018 as Market President of OPTAVIA USA and was appointed President, Coach and Client Experience in 2020. He took the role of Chief Field Operations Officer in 2022, with responsibility for leading the OPTAVIA Field organization in creating a high-quality, unified coach and client program experience across all geographies. Prior to joining Medifast, he served as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Nu Skin Enterprises, where he oversaw sales and marketing for 27 countries including the Middle East, Europe and Africa. He previously held numerous leadership roles during his tenure at Nu Skin Enterprises including General Manager, Latin America and Director of Sales USA.