Amazon has hired Rodney Blanton, formerly the global head of proprietary brands at Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., as director of category management for its Amazon Go convenience-store concept, the Seattle-based company confirmed for CSP.
Blanton announced his new role in a LinkedIn post, which indicated a July 1 start date.
He departed the convenience-store company after holding several positions, including vice president of proprietary brands and reverse synergies, vice president of global categories, vice president of convenience for Europe and director of merchandising, marketing and category management, beginning in 2009. Before that, he was with Couche-Tard unit Mac’s Convenience Stores Inc. as director of operations, starting as a category manager.
“Joining the forefront of global innovation alongside a talented new team is truly an honor, and I am incredibly eager to contribute to my new family of Amazonians in their fervent efforts of reshaping the way we experience everyday life,” Blanton said in the post.
“As I embark on this exciting journey, I reflect on the invaluable experiences and growth I gained during my tenure at Couche-Tard,” he said. “It is with mixed emotions that I bid farewell to a fulfilling career. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support from exceptional leaders that have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional development.”
Amazon opened its first Amazon Go convenience store using “Just Walk Out” technology in 2018. As of 2023, the company has more than 40 locations in the Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York areas.
- Alimentation Couche-Tard is No. 2 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
Laval, Quebec-based Couche-Tard operates in 29 countries and territories, with more than 16,700 convenience stores. Its network includes more than 7,100 c-stores in the United States, primarily under the Circle K banner.
A version of this article first appeared inSupermarket News.
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