NACS Appoints Frank Gleeson as New President and CEO

Strategic Insights -

Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-2019 NACS Chairman of the Board, will take the helm as NACS' new president and CEO on January 1, 2026. He will succeed current President and CEO Henry Armour, who has led the organization since July 2005. Gleeson has extensive experience in foodservice and convenience retailing, including stints as president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe, retail director at Topaz Energy Group, and vice president of retail at Statoil Ireland. He has also been active in various trade associations, including serving on the NACS International Board for 19 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gleeson has deep experience in foodservice and convenience retailing, with a background in leading large teams and overseeing multiple locations.
  • He has a proven track record of innovation, with experience in developing new technology solutions like TruAge and THRIVR.
  • NACS has a global presence, with members in over 50 countries and a strong reputation in the industry.
  • The organization has made significant strides in advocacy, particularly in issues related to convenience retailing and foodservice.
  • Gleeson identifies building a positive culture and nurturing a winning team as key components in his new role.
  • The five-member search committee, which included Joe Sheetz, Ken Parent, Brian Hannasch, Annie Gauthier, and Natalie Morhous, played a crucial role in selecting Gleeson as the next CEO.
  • The selection process emphasized four key attributes: deep familiarity with convenience retailing, a focus on foodservice, leadership in technology and digitization, and extensive experience in advocacy.

Statistics:

  • 64 years: the number of years NACS has been in operation.
  • 20,000: the number of employees Gleeson oversaw while president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe.
  • 2,800: the number of locations across the UK, Ireland, and EMEA that Gleeson led at Aramark Northern Europe.
  • 1 million: the estimated number of meals served daily at Aramark Northern Europe under Gleeson's leadership.
  • 330: the number of convenience stores and service stations operated by Topaz Energy Group during Gleeson's tenure as retail director.
  • 50: the number of countries with NACS members.

Sources:

  • National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)

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  • "NACS Appoints New President and CEO." NACS, 2 Nov. 2024.