Couche-Tard Names New COO
LAVAL, Quebec -- Real Plourde, the chief operating officer for Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., operator of nearly 5,900 convenience stores across North America, stepped down yesterday from his role at the Canadian-based retailer, and Brian Hannasch, current senior vice president, U.S. Operations, was named as successor to Plourde in his role of COO.
Plourde will remain executive vice president and a member of the company's executive committee.
"I carefully weighed and prepared this change which meets two key objectives: I will be free to devote more time to personal ventures while continuing to actively contribute to the Company's strategic direction," Plourde said in a statement.
A 25-year Couche-Tard veteran, the company said Plourde's leadership and deep knowledge of the convenience store industry was a key factor in allowing the company to attain its preeminent position in Canada and U.S.
"We are delighted that Mr. Plourde agreed to remain in an active capacity as a member of the executive committee. As a result, we can still tap into his tremendous experience and knowledge of the convenience industry," Alain Bouchard, president and CEO, said in a statement.
Bouchard also said Hannasch's new role underscores the company's dedication to promote talent within its own ranks when possible, and ensures a seamless transition as the company continues to grow.
Hannasch joined Couche-Tard in 2001 as part of the Bigfoot Food Stores acquisition, when he held the position of vice president of operations. He has since held a range of vice president and senior vice president roles, including acquisition, integration and operations roles with oversight for Canadian and U.S. divisions
Before joining Couche-Tard, Hannasch spent 13 years with Amoco and BP in various downstream positions.
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Plourde will remain executive vice president and a member of the company's executive committee.
"I carefully weighed and prepared this change which meets two key objectives: I will be free to devote more time to personal ventures while continuing to actively contribute to the Company's strategic direction," Plourde said in a statement.
A 25-year Couche-Tard veteran, the company said Plourde's leadership and deep knowledge of the convenience store industry was a key factor in allowing the company to attain its preeminent position in Canada and U.S.
"We are delighted that Mr. Plourde agreed to remain in an active capacity as a member of the executive committee. As a result, we can still tap into his tremendous experience and knowledge of the convenience industry," Alain Bouchard, president and CEO, said in a statement.
Bouchard also said Hannasch's new role underscores the company's dedication to promote talent within its own ranks when possible, and ensures a seamless transition as the company continues to grow.
Hannasch joined Couche-Tard in 2001 as part of the Bigfoot Food Stores acquisition, when he held the position of vice president of operations. He has since held a range of vice president and senior vice president roles, including acquisition, integration and operations roles with oversight for Canadian and U.S. divisions
Before joining Couche-Tard, Hannasch spent 13 years with Amoco and BP in various downstream positions.
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