It is a move that makes a lot of sense given Alain Bouchard, president and CEO of Couche-Tard, has credited Hannasch's success with [image-nocss] the Bigfoot convenience store chain after its acquisition in 2001 by Couche-Tard as the reason the company went on to acquire the Circle K chain.
Plourde's contribution to the growth of Couche-Tard over the past 25 years has been exceptional, the company said. "His leadership and deep knowledge of our industry has been a key factor in allowing the company to attainment preeminent position in Canada and the United States," it said.
"I carefully weighed and prepared this change which meets two key objectives: I will be free to devote more time to personal ventures while continuing to actively contribute to the company's strategic direction," said Plourde.
Bouchard said, "We are delighted that Mr. Plourde agreed to remain in an active capacity as a member of the Executive Committee. As a result, we can still tap into his tremendous experience and knowledge of the convenience industry."
According to the company's 2007 annual report, Hannasch said, "I admit that I thought to myself, 'What can these Canadians show us,' and I gave it six months. But we soon found they really knew the business, and the principals were all fully engaged. It's a great company to work for."
In that report, Bouchard said, "I found this to be a significant moment. Midwest is where we began our journey in the United States with the purchase of the Bigfoot chain in 2001. It was Brian Hannasch's territory, and he stayed on with us. In fact, his success in growing the division encouraged us to make the big Circle K acquisition two years later. Subsequently, Michel Bernard and now Darrell Davis have also shared in building this division from 172 to over 600 stores."
Bouchard also noted that Hannasch's new role underscores the company's dedication to promote talent within its own ranks when possible and to ensure a seamless transition as the company continues to grow.
Hannasch was appointed senior vice president of U.S. operations in May 2008, then COO in May 2010. Previously, he held the position of senior vice president of operations for western North America since December 2004 and prior to that was vice president of integration since 2003. In 2001, he was appointed vice president of operations for the U.S. Midwest, where he was responsible for all aspects of U.S. operations. From 2000 to 2001, Hannasch was vice president of operations for Bigfoot Food Stores LLC, a 225-unit convenience store chain in the U.S. Midwest acquired by Couche-Tard. From 1989 to 2000, he was employed by BP Amoco for 13 years in various positions of increasing responsibility. His last position with BP Amoco was vice president of marketing for the Midwest business unit.
Laval, Quebec-based Couche-Tard currently operates a network of 5,883 convenience stores, 4,142 of which include motor fuel dispensing, located in 11 large geographic markets, including eight in the United States covering 43 states and the District of Columbia (under the Circle K banner), and three in Canada covering all 10 provinces (under the Mac's banner). More than 52,000 people are employed throughout Couche-Tard's retail convenience network and service centers.
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