The Wills Group, owner of the Dash In convenience store chain, has elected Julian B. “Blackie” Wills III as chairman of the board, the company announced on Tuesday.
Wills, who has been the company’s president and CEO since late 2023, will continue in his current positions “while placing greater emphasis on governance, board oversight, and shareholder value,” according to the announcement. Having Wills as both CEO and chairman “strengthens the board’s role in guidance and accountability, while allowing the leadership team to remain focused on execution and performance,” the company added.
He succeeds his father, J. Blacklock “Lock” Wills, Jr., who has chaired the board since 1998 and will now transition to 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.”
The leadership change comes as the Wills Group continues acquiring land and building new convenience stores in its current and new markets. The company, which has about 60 Dash In c-stores across Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, is also in the process of building its first 16 locations in the Carolinas — an initiative that began taking shape nearly three years ago.
In October 2023, Blackie Wills said in an interview with C-Store Dive that the retailer was looking to triple its Dash In c-store count by 2030 and that the Carolinas would be a major part of that expansion. He emphasized the region’s proximity to Dash In’s current footprint and its growing population.
Besides that expansion, the Wills Group is also in the process of refreshing its Dash In convenience store design, expanding its foodservice offerings and growing its Splash In Eco Car Wash brand.
“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.”
