Wild Bill's Tobacco Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Wild Bill's Tobacco has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational logistics, financial planning, information technology, marketing initiatives, and legal compliance.

Focused on expanding retail reach across the Midwest, Wild Bill's Tobacco maintains a commitment to providing premium tobacco products while ensuring consistent service standards across all regional storefronts.

Leadership Roles at Wild Bill's Tobacco

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Samona
  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Hanson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Chris Konja
  • Chief Information Officer - Srinivas Janyavula
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Jonathan Welzel
  • Chief Legal Officer - Robert Zora
  • Michael Samona - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Samona, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the retail organization. Overseeing the expansion of storefronts throughout Ohio and Michigan, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge within the tobacco retail sector. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends and consumer preferences to refine the product portfolio. By fostering strong relationships with regional suppliers, Michael Samona secures the supply chain necessary for consistent inventory availability. The President & Chief Executive Officer also coordinates with the board to align operational goals with financial performance targets. Through rigorous oversight of the retail footprint, Samona drives the company toward sustainable growth while upholding the brand reputation established since the inception of the business in Troy.

    Matthew Hanson - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Hanson, the Chief Financial Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire retail enterprise. Managing the budgeting process and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains liquidity while funding expansion efforts across Ohio and Michigan. This leadership position involves conducting detailed audits of store-level profitability to identify areas for cost reduction and revenue enhancement. Matthew Hanson also directs the tax planning and compliance efforts to mitigate financial risk in a complex regulatory environment. By analyzing market data, the Chief Financial Officer provides the executive team with actionable insights regarding investment opportunities and capital expenditures. Hanson maintains rigorous oversight of the accounting department to ensure accuracy in all financial disclosures. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term economic stability required for the continued success of the organization.

    Chris Konja - Chief Operating Officer

    Chris Konja, the Chief Operating Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, manages the daily operational workflows and logistics across all retail locations. Implementing standardized procedures for store management, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes the efficiency of the regional supply chain and inventory distribution systems. This role requires constant monitoring of store performance metrics to ensure that every location meets the high service standards expected by the customer base. Chris Konja also supervises the training programs for store personnel to maintain operational excellence throughout the Midwest footprint. By streamlining the procurement process and managing vendor relations, Konja reduces overhead costs and improves profit margins. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with regional managers to resolve logistical challenges and implement new retail technologies that enhance the shopping experience. Ultimately, Konja ensures that the operational infrastructure supports the broader growth objectives of the company.
    Chris Konja

    Srinivas Janyavula - Chief Information Officer

    Srinivas Janyavula, the Chief Information Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, architects the digital infrastructure and technology systems that support retail operations. Overseeing the implementation of point-of-sale software and inventory management platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless data integration across all regional locations. This role involves protecting the company from cybersecurity threats while maintaining the integrity of customer transaction records. Srinivas Janyavula also directs the modernization of internal communication tools to improve collaboration between the corporate office and store managers. By leveraging data analytics, the Chief Information Officer identifies patterns in consumer behavior that inform inventory stocking decisions. Janyavula manages the IT department to provide reliable technical support for all hardware and software assets. Through the deployment of scalable technology solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency and supports the digital transformation of the retail business model.

    Jonathan Welzel - Chief Marketing Officer

    Jonathan Welzel, the Chief Marketing Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, develops the brand identity and promotional strategies that drive customer engagement across the Midwest. Overseeing the execution of regional advertising campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the company effectively communicates its value proposition to the target demographic. This role involves managing the digital presence and social media outreach to build brand loyalty in a competitive retail landscape. Jonathan Welzel also coordinates with store managers to implement localized marketing initiatives that respond to specific regional market conditions. By analyzing campaign performance metrics, the Chief Marketing Officer optimizes the marketing budget to maximize return on investment. Welzel collaborates with the executive team to align promotional activities with the overall growth strategy of the company. Through creative brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the market presence of the organization and attracts new customers to the retail locations.
    Robert Zora, the Chief Legal Officer at Wild Bill's Tobacco, manages the legal framework and regulatory compliance requirements for the retail operations. Overseeing the navigation of complex tobacco industry laws, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business practices adhere to state and federal mandates in Ohio and Michigan. This role involves drafting and reviewing contracts with suppliers, landlords, and service providers to protect the interests of the company. Robert Zora also directs the internal policy development to mitigate liability and ensure ethical conduct across all levels of the organization. By monitoring legislative changes, the Chief Legal Officer provides proactive guidance to the executive team regarding potential impacts on the business model. Zora manages all litigation and external legal counsel to resolve disputes efficiently. Through diligent legal oversight, the Chief Legal Officer maintains the operational integrity and regulatory standing of the company in the marketplace.
    Robert Zora

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Wild Bill's Tobacco Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Wild Bill's Tobacco?
    Wild Bill's Tobacco is led by Michael Samona (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Matthew Hanson (Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Konja (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Wild Bill's Tobacco’s executive team?
    The executive team of Wild Bill's Tobacco includes leaders such as Michael Samona (President & Chief Executive Officer), Matthew Hanson (Chief Financial Officer), Chris Konja (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Wild Bill's Tobacco have?
    Wild Bill's Tobacco has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Wild Bill's Tobacco’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Wild Bill's Tobacco includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer.