Yesway has appointed Ray Harrison as its new chief marketing and merchandising officer, the convenience-store chain announced Thursday. He fills the role left by Derek Gaskins, who left Yesway in March to work for bp.
Harrison has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, merchandising, category management and retail operations, Yesway said.
- Yesway is No. 19 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of largest U.S. convenience-store chains.
“Joining Yesway is an honor and an exciting opportunity,” Harrison said. “I am so pleased to partner with the team to deepen our connection with guests at our Yesway and Allsup’s stores, elevate our foodservice and private-brand offerings and accelerate data-driven decision making.”
Harrison most recently worked as chief marketing officer at Frisco, Texas-based Cal’s Convenience, where he spearheaded the design and launch of a digital loyalty program, drove private brand share penetration and implemented innovative omnichannel marketing initiatives, the company said. Harrison also worked with Brookshire Grocery Co. in various roles, including vice president of category management.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ray to our senior management team,” said Tom Trkla, chairman, president and CEO of Yesway. “Ray is an exceptional leader with a proven ability to translate strategic vision into measurable results. His deep industry expertise, innovative mindset and commitment to excellence make him the ideal choice to lead our marketing and merchandising efforts as we continue to grow and evolve. I look forward to the many innovations and accomplishments that will come under his leadership.”
Yesway, Fort Worth, Texas, is a c-store operator with 446 stores across nine states in the Midwest and Southwest. In 2019, it acquired Clovis, New Mexico-based Allsup’s and its 304 stores in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Yesway is owned by private equity firm Brookwood Financial Partners.
In February 2024, 7-Eleven entered into an agreement to acquire stores from Sunoco LP, Dallas, including the Stripes stores of Cal's Convenience.
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