INDIANAPOLIS -- CountryMark, an agricultural cooperative, refiner and retail fuel provider, recently named Brian Pope as the company's new vice president of strategy.
In his new role, Pope will focus on business planning efforts, working with the executive leadership team to align the company's business plan with its strategy, goals and objectives. He is also tasked with evaluating and managing new business opportunities and initiatives.
“I’m looking forward to helping identify opportunities that will allow us to take advantage of the tailwinds of our integrated business, while also positioning the company for minimal exposure to the headwinds that might face us,” said Pope.
While new to this position, Pope is not unfamiliar to CountryMark. Previously, he served as the director of geology and asset management for CountryMark Energy Resources LLC, directing all aspects of drilling, completion and management of the company’s upstream capital program.
He was with Newburgh, Ind.-based Trey Exploration Inc. before joining CountryMark Energy Resources in July 2011.
With Pope taking on new responsibilities leading CountryMark’s strategic planning, Matt Smorch, who previously served as vice president of supply and strategy, will now become vice president of supply and optimization for CountryMark Refining & Logistics. In this position, Smorch will provide executive oversight for stewarding optimization of both feedstocks and process operations, two areas of the business that are increasing in importance.
CountryMark fuels can be found at more than 100 branded fuel stations in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. According to the company, CountryMark fuel stations offer only the highest-quality fuels, plus quick fill-ups, and are open to the public.
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