They are the tireless CEOs of their respective sections—the category managers who navigate a labyrinth of complexity. Amid mounting pressure on profits, turns and market-basket synergies, the best category managers are veritable conductors, orchestrating the complex web of larger store formats, greater inventory and the balance of stitching together major household brands with distinctive product.
It’s not easy. And that is why CSP magazine has launched its inaugural Category Manager of Year awards: to recognize the often-unappreciated role our industry’s category managers play in the success of their stores’ operations. This year CSP is honoring managers who direct eight core categories: tobacco, packaged beverages, alcohol beverages, OTP, candy, snacks, foodservice and general merchandise/HBC.
We invited suppliers and wholesalers to nominate the best managers in each category. In total, we received about 1,500 nominations, with the range of nominees capturing the full breadth of our industry, from small, independent chains to hyper-regional and national operations.
We are privileged to recognize an industry with committed, tireless professionals whose goal is to bring a smile to the faces of customers looking for a snack, a smoke, a drink or a jolt. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and to our category winners.
Mitch Morrison
Vice president and group editor
Winsight Convenience Group
Table of Contents
Steve Desautels, Murphy USA
Ruth Ann Lilly, Sunoco Inc.
Matt Hieb, Circle K Midwest
Gary Woods, Circle K West Coast
Damian Wyatt, Mapco
William Slattery, Circle K Midwest
Tim Young, Thorntons Inc.
Andre Benoit, Circle K Gulf Coast
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