Thorntons Promotes Several Execs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Thorntons Inc. promoted Tony Harris to chief operating officer. He will handle operations, marketing, gasoline pricing, brand management, customer experience and retail strategy.

In addition, John A. Zikias was promoted to vice president of category management and supply chain for the fuel and merchandise categories; Rodney Lloyd was appointed director of brand development and strategic initiatives; Jason Doyle is now Southern Division vice president of operations; and Matt Dabulis was promoted to Northern Division vice president of operations.

Harris has served Thorntons for his entire 17-year convenience industry career. He has held various positions of leadership, including director of informational technology projects, vice president of information technology and facility services, and most recently, vice president of operations.

"We are excited to appoint Tony as our new COO," said Matt Thornton, the c-store chain's CEO and president. "His leadership of our retail strategy, which has helped result in Thorntons' unprecedented growth, combined with his inherent business expertise, will continue to ensure the organization is even stronger and more focused as the public's favorite on-the-go shopping destination."

Harris earned a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Western Kentucky University. He is also expected to earn a master's in business administration from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2012.

Thorntons operates 162 gasoline stations/convenience stores in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee.