Ross Johnson climbed the corporate ladder to become the CEO of RJR Nabisco in 1986. His journey began with his early professional life, where he displayed a knack for corporate politics. Johnson had a unique ability to charm directors and outsmart competitors. His strategic moves at Nabisco set the stage for him to assume the role of CEO after orchestrating a merger with RJ Reynolds Tobacco in 1985.

RJ Reynolds, a successful tobacco company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, had been thriving for over a hundred years. However, it was grappling with falling cigarette sales. To diversify into the food industry, its CEO, Tylee Wilson, decided to acquire Nabisco. Wilson appointed Johnson as his deputy, a decision he would soon regret. The two had conflicting styles, and Johnson began to undermine Wilson's authority with the board. Wilson's decision to keep Premier, a secret "smokeless" cigarette project, hidden from the board gave Johnson the ammunition he needed to turn the directors against Wilson.

Johnson began to rally board members like Sticht and Hugel, lobbying for their support to become the next CEO. He even threatened to resign, which forced Wilson to propose early retirement. However, Johnson and his allies persuaded the board that Wilson needed to step down immediately. In 1986, Wilson resigned, walking away with a hefty severance package. The board then appointed Johnson as CEO, marking the successful execution of his carefully crafted plan.

This story also highlights the cultural clash between the genteel tobacco culture at Reynolds and the aggressive style Johnson brought from Nabisco. It hints at the future conflicts between Johnson and other executives like Horrigan that would persist in the newly formed RJR Nabisco.