Dive Brief:
- Stinker Stores has overhauled its C-suite team following the recent departure of President and CEO Nate Brazier, the convenience retailer announced on Friday.
- Chair and owner Nancy Jones, who stepped into Brazier’s role after his exit, has been named CEO, according to the announcement. Additionally, Stinker has named a new chief operating officer, chief technology officer and chief experience officer, among several other changes.
- The revamp marks a new chapter for Stinker, which has just under 100 c-stores in Idaho, Colorado and Wyoming. It remains to be seen how the new leadership will impact the company’s operations.
Dive Insight:
It’s not clear how long Brazier’s departure had been planned, although the quick timeline for replacing him and promoting several other executives indicates his exit was in the works for some time. In Friday’s announcement, Stinker said the leadership changes are “designed to strengthen alignment, enhance execution, and position the company for continued long-term growth.”
Additionally, the company said its new leadership model “establishes a focused executive team with clearly defined areas of responsibility, enabling greater alignment, faster decision-making, and continued operational excellence.”
Jones’ late husband Charley Jones acquired Stinker — which was founded in 1936 — with a business partner in 2002. In 2012, Charley Jones bought out his partner, and he and Nancy Jones became sole owners of the regional convenience store chain.
“This leadership structure reflects our commitment to building a strong, sustainable organization for the future,” Jones said in the announcement. “By aligning our leadership team around clear areas of accountability, we are better positioned to serve our guests, support our teams, and continue growing with intention.”
As Jones steps into Stinker’s top position, the company has also promoted Director of Marketing and Brand Randy Strain to chief operating officer. In this role, Strain will oversee retail operations, ensuring alignment with company strategy. Strain joined Stinker in early 2024 after seven years with automotive service AAA, according to his LinkedIn bio.
Elsewhere, Stinker has promoted Vice President of IT Cory Mooney to chief technology officer. Mooney, who has been with Stinker for over 24 years, per his LinkedIn bio, will lead Stinker’s tech investments, ensuring systems and infrastructure support for both current operations and future growth, according to the announcement.
Finally, Stinker has promoted VP of People and Culture Lesley Segadelli to chief experience officer, where she will not only lead the retailer’s people team but also its marketing, community engagement and brand divisions. Segadelli joined Stinker in late 2021 as director of human resources after eight years with appliances company Plexus, per her LinkedIn bio.
Stinker has also named several new VPs and directors in addition to its C-suite overhaul. Those include Charley Jones, Nancy Jones’ son, now VP of operations; Ken Rash, VP of merchandising; Dan Fulkerson, VP of fuel; Emily Longmire, director of foodservice; Felicia Pacheco, director of people; and Steve Cook, director of marketing.
