BRENTWOOD, Tenn. --Convenience retailer Mapco's stab at a dual-leadership concept ended in March when the newest part of the executive team--Rick Altizer, brought in as vice president and chief brand officer--left the company after only four months with the retail branch of Delek US Holdings, CSP Daily News has learned.
"He was crushed to tell me he was leaving, but said he received a career opportunity he could not refuse," said Tony Miller, who is now leading MAPCO as vice president and chief operating officer, after briefly co-leading the chain with Altizer. Miller will report directly Delek US Holdings’ president, CEO and chairman, Uzi Yemin.
Altizer came to Mapco from Shell Retail Marketing North America in Houston and previously worked at McDonald's Corp. for 14 years. He was brought in to oversee the 370-store Mapco chain's foodservice development, advertising and marketing, and large-format store concept but chose in March to accept a new position as CEO of restaurant chain Elevation Burger, an organic hamburger chain based in Arlington, Va.
For Brentwood, Tenn.-based Mapco, the strategic direction of the company remains the same, Miller told CSP Daily News. "We set a five-year plan a couple of years ago, and we intend to remain on that track," he said.
That plan, initially outlined by former president Igal Zamir, who left the company in July 2013, includes a focus on fresh foodservice, an emphasis on new-to-the-industry store construction and growing private-label product sales.
"We are focused on growing our new-to-the-industry stores, which are 5,000 square feet with a significant emphasis on foodservice" Miller said. “There is no change in that. We are staying very consistent with our strategy."
To help, the chain hired—prior to Altizer exiting the company—Andy Scoggins, vice president of foodservice, with 18 years of experience in fast-casual dining at the Ruby Tuesday chain. He is currently on-boarding at Mapco and evaluating the current foodservice offer.
"We have a lot of things we want to accomplish, and we will achieve them with a great leadership team and our comprehensive strategic plan,” said Miller.
Brentwood, Tenn.-based Mapco, the retail branch of Delek US Holdings, operates 370 convenience stores in seven states.
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