The convenience-store industry continues to evolve, and the people in the industry continue to advance with it, whether it’s new hires, promotions or retirements. Read on for news about retailers, suppliers, associations and more.
Retailers
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Oklahoma City, has named Tim Langley-Hawthorne as its new chief technology officer.
Langley-Hawthorne brings more than 30 years of global technology experience across multiple industries. He will be responsible for aligning technology with overall company strategy, driving product development and fostering technical innovation. Most recently, he was Hertz’s executive vice president and chief information officer.
- Love’s Travel Stops is No. 15 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
North Charleston, South Carolina-based Refuel Operating Co. LLC has promoted co-presidents Travis Smith (pictured left) and Jon Rier (pictured right) to co-CEOs, effective July 1. The convenience-store and retail fuel operator said Mark Jordan, founder and current CEO, will step into the role of chairman of the board.
- Refuel Operating Co. LLC is No. 38 on on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
The Pilot Co., Knoxville, Tennessee, has promoted Brad Anderson (pictured left) to president of retail. Prior to his new role, Anderson served as chief operating officer. In addition, Eva Rigamonti (pictured center) has been named chief legal officer and Julius Cox (pictured right) has expanded his role to chief people and administrative officer.
- Pilot Co. is No. 16 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
Fresh Stop has named Matt Pickelsimer as its new president and Kelly Bacon as CFO, according to a LinkedIn post from the Greenville, South Carolina-based c-store chain. With more than two decades of leadership experience across the convenience-store, restaurant and car wash industries, Pickelsimer will now oversee Fresh Stop’s strategic growth initiatives, drive operational efficiency and strengthen the company’s focus on customer experience across all locations. Prior to joining Fresh Stop, Bacon also worked The Wills Group, La Plata, Maryland, and Baltimore-based Royal Farms.
Justin Jefferson has been promoted to chief financial officer of ice cream and convenience-store chain United Dairy Farmers, Cincinnati, Ohio, according to his LinkedIn page. Jefferson assumed the role in June, following the retirement of Darryl Neltner, who served as CFO from May of 1999 to June, according to Neltner’s LinkedIn page.
- United Dairy Farmer is No. 49 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
The Wills Group, La Plata, Maryland, has appointed Matt Simon as its first chief marketing officer, the family-owned convenience-store company said. The appointment became effective on June 30. Simon will support Dash In and Splash In’s multi-state expansion, with a focus on Dash In’s growth in North and South Carolina, the retailer said. He will also promote Dash In’s guest loyalty and e-commerce platform, Dash In Rewards.
- The Wills Group is No. 123 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
Suppliers
Retail display and merchandising solution company iSEE Store Innovations has promoted Melissa Vonder Haar to managing director of its new business unit TradeWorks. The new unit provides trade marketing services for emerging brands in fast-growing categories like hemp-derived THC, oral nicotine and functional supplements. With over 15 years of experience in emerging categories, Vonder Haar has been instrumental in developing iSEE’s trade marketing services for startup brands, especially in the hemp-derived THC space, the St. Louis-based company said.
CandyRific, Louisville, Kentucky, has appointed Eric Sims as national sales director. Sims, who will be responsible for broker management, brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry from Russell Stover, Lindt & Sprüngli, and Ghirardelli Chocolates.
Associations
The National Association of Truck Stop Operators (NATSO) has appointed Max McBrayer Jr., the former CEO of convenience-store chain RaceTrac, as its president and CEO, effective July 1. McBrayer succeeds Darren Boyd Schulte, who has served as interim CEO since January. The Alexandria, Virginia-based trade association said Schulte will remain with the organization in his position as vice president of membership.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.