NEWTON, Mass. -- Gulf Oil LP said that Ron Sabia, named president in addition to his role as chief operating officer on October 1, has assembled a leadership team with whom the company will further its brand as a major New England energy distributor. As part of that strategy, Gulf Oil will announce several new programs in 2009. One is the introduction of the WAVE brand of gas stations, a new value brand in the Gulf Oil family that provides an alternate route for businesses to gain access to the company's infrastructure, systems and people. It also intends to launch a new customer [image-nocss] loyalty program with multiple components, offering price discounts in conjunction with a retail partner.
"Ron's highly skilled background and industry connections make him the ideal leader to bring Gulf Oil to the next level, as we build a leading downstream retailing and energy distribution company," said Gulf Oil and Cumberland Farms CEO Joseph Petrowski. "Ron has been integral to Gulf Oil's success since joining the company in 2005, and he has assembled the finest team in the business to execute our vision."
Sabia (pictured) has more than 20 years of experience in commercial and operating roles in the energy and chemical Industries.
His executive team includes Bob Far, who was named senior vice president and chief commercial officer. Far first joined Gulf Oil in 2005 as its chief administrative and chief risk officer. Prior to Gulf Oil, he spent the majority of his career working in various aspects of commodity risk management. Far will also lead Gulf's supply and distribution activities, its unbranded marketing group and pricing functions.
In addition, Greg Scott has joined as vice president of petroleum distribution and origination directing the transport fleet and its origination activities. Scott has more than 32 years of experience in the energy industry. He began his career with Mobil Oil Corp., progressing in a series of assignments to managing all domestic pipelines for Mobil Pipeline Co. Following Mobil, he joined Teppco Crude Oil as vice president of operations, responsible for all aspects of crude oil gathering and transportation and was promoted to senior vice president of marketing and supply. Scott joined TransMontaigne, and became senior vice president of corporate business development, responsible for M&A activities, divestitures and asset optimization.
The balance of the team assembled by Joe Petrowski remains. Rick Dery, senior vice president of branded marketing and sales joined Gulf Oil in August, 2005. He has more than 20 years of petroleum experience and directs a team servicing more than 700 dealer and 1,500 distributor locations and has been instrumental in the reemergence of the Gulf brand.
Jayne Conway, senior vice president and chief financial officer, joined Gulf Oil in April, 2006 after leadership roles at Dunkin Brands, Bain and General Electric.
"Despite the current climate, we believe that the future holds many opportunities for Gulf Oil and our partners," said Sabia. "It is the talent, ingenuity and dedication of Gulf Oil's employees, and the loyalty of our customers that allow us to carry the day. Our focused efforts will let us achieve our vision of becoming the premier brand of choice for the driving public."
Gulf Oil, Newton, Mass., is one of the Northeast's largest wholesalers of refined petroleum products. It distributes motor fuels through a network of more than 2,400 Gulf-branded gasoline retail centers, 12 proprietary oil terminals and a network of more than 50 other supply terminals. The company supplies heating oil, diesel fuel, jet fuel and kerosene to these branded retail outlets through both its Gulf Oil brand and, in the seven states of New England and New York, the Exxon brand. Through its unbranded subsidiary, Great Island Energy, Gulf also supplies petroleum products as well as risk management and financial services to industrial, commercial and independent retail firms. Gulf Oil through its ownership interest in World Energy is also the nation's largest distributor of biodiesel.
Click herefor previous CSP Daily News coverage of Gulf's new Wave brand.
Andclick here for coverage of the loyalty program.
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