June was a busy month when it came to c-store executive changes. Two of the industry’s largest players announced CEO shifts, while others appointed new chief operating, financial and information officers.
Here’s more information on those top-level changes. And here’s our executive roundup from May, in case you missed it.
Miller to take over at Couche-Tard
Alimentation Couche-Tard, parent of Circle K convenience stores, appointed Alex Miller as president and CEO, effective Sept. 6, the company announced on June 26.
Incumbent Brian Hannasch, who became president and CEO of Couche-Tard in 2014, is shifting to a “special advisor” role, where he’ll assist both Miller and Alain Bouchard, Couche-Tard’s founder and executive chairman. Hannasch will also leave Couche-Tard’s board of directors.
Miller joined Couche-Tard in 2012 as director of fuels, real estate and facilities, according to his company bio. He moved up the company’s ladder over the following 12 years, eventually becoming executive vice president of North America operations and global optimization. He was appointed the company’s first chief operating officer in January 2023.
EG Group and EG America shuffle c-suite leadership
Early last month, EG Group announced that co-CEO Zuber Issa will step down from his post later this year as he’s agreed to depart after he acquires the company’s forecourt business in the U.K. His brother and co-CEO, Mohsin Issa, will take sole leadership of EG Group. The retailer also named Russell Colaco as its new chief financial officer, as incumbent Michael Bradley recently left the company.
Around the same time, EG America — EG Group’s U.S. subsidiary and its largest operation globally — named Lisa N’Chonon as its chief financial officer and treasurer. Prior to this promotion, N’Chonon had been serving as the retailer’s interim CFO for 11 months.
Wawa taps former Petco chief executive as COO
Justin Tichy, former chief operating officer for Petco, announced via LinkedIn in mid-June that he’s the new COO of Wawa.
Tichy joined Petco in 2018 as chief stores officer before becoming COO in August 2022. As COO, he led all operations for Petco’s 1,500-plus locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, according to the company’s website. Tichy also managed Petco’s logistics operations, including its distribution centers.
QuikTrip names second CIO in a decade
QuikTrip named Bryan Williams as its new chief information officer late last month, a company spokesperson confirmed at the time. He replaced Gina Hitz, who had been CIO and vice president of IT for the past decade as part of a 30-year career with the c-store retailer.
Williams has held numerous positions with QuikTrip since joining the convenience retailer as a programmer analyst in 2005, according to his LinkedIn bio. Notable roles have included director of business engagement, director of corporate development and, most recently, director of technology.
Parkland’s U.S. president goes international
Donna Sanker, who became Parkland U.S. president in December 2022, was named president of the c-store retailer’s international division late last month, effective July 1. She replaced Pierre Magnan, who stepped down from the post but will remain with the company as a strategic advisor.
Sanker now oversees Parkland’s retail and commercial operations in the U.S. and international regions.
