Wills Group has elected Julian B. “Blackie” Wills III as chairman of the board. The operator of Dash In convenience stores said Wills will continue to serve in his role of president and CEO.
The decision was made by the board on Jan. 27 and reflects a planned leadership transition, Wills Group shared Tuesday. Blackie Wills (pictured below) succeeds his father, J. Blacklock “Lock” Wills Jr., who served as chairman of the board since 1998 and will now be chairman emeritus.
“I am honored to serve as chairman of the board for Wills Group and to help preserve the continuity of family leadership for the next generation,” Blackie Wills said. “We will maintain the stewardship that has guided this company for decades, while continuing to evolve the organization to better meet the future needs of communities we serve.”
Lock Wills served as president, CEO and chairman of the board for the Wills Group until Blackie Wills’ appointment as COO in 2021. Blackie Wills became president and CEO in August 2023.
- Wills Group is No. 123 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
The chairman transition reflects years of mentorship and intentional preparation, the Wills Group said.
“Blackie’s vision and leadership give me, and my fellow directors, great confidence in the future of our company,” Lock Wills said. “His election as chairman recognizes Blackie’s performance and reflects the board’s full support as he leads Wills Group into its next phase of growth and prosperity. As a fourth-generation leader of the business, Blackie also ensures our proud legacy will continue and evolve as a family enterprise.”
The La Plata, Maryland-based company started as a regional, family-owned fuel business in 1926. Wills Group operates nearly 60 Dash In convenience stores in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia and has recently entered North Carolina.
In its 100th year, the Wills Group remains focused on growth, including expanding to new markets. Blackie Wills told CSP in October that it had 16 locations for new-to-industry stores under contract in North and South Carolina.
“Reaching 100 years is a tremendous milestone, and one I’m proud to have played a small role in helping the organization achieve,” Blackie Wills said. “Looking ahead, our focus is on positioning Wills Group to endure and grow well into its next century.”
As chairman, Blackie Wills will continue to guide the company’s strategic direction while placing grater emphasis on governance, board oversight and shareholder value. This structure strengthens the board’s role in guidance and accountability, and it allows the leadership team to focus on execution and performance, the company said.
That governance framework is important as Wills Group expands into new markets and invests in initiatives like its new store designs, elevated foodservice offerings, digital engagement and its Splash In ECO Car Wash, it said.
Wills Group has nearly 300 retail locations across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Dash In convenience stores, Splash In Eco car washes and the SMO Motor Fuels retail petroleum distribution and fuel convenience center network. Wills Group is one of the largest independent Shell Oil marketers in the United States, and also operates Exxon, CITGO and Dash In fuel locations.
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