CSP Names 7-Eleven CEO Joe DePinto 2011 Retail Leader of the Year

By: 7-Eleven | 9 Shares 156 Reads

Dallas (Oct. 14, 2011) – Hundreds of convenience retail leaders, business partners, co-workers, friends and family turned out Oct. 2, 2011, to congratulate7-Eleven, Inc. President and CEO Joe DePinto, for winning CSP’s 2011 Retail Leader of the Year award. The recognition dinner was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in DePinto’s hometown of Chicago during the 50th annual NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) show.

CSP is the No. 1 business publication for convenience and petroleum retailers, offering print and online news and information, business consulting and industry research, and national networking events. DePinto will be featured on the cover of the December issue of CSP magazine.

In 2005, DePinto took the reigns as CEO of7-Eleven, Inc. the leading convenience retail chain with close to 9,000 stores in North America and 43,300 stores around the world. Before he was tapped as7-Eleven’sCEO, DePinto was president of GameStop Corp. and also held executive positions at PepsiCo and Thornton Oil Corp. He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

CSP cited a number of DePinto’s accomplishments as reasons for winning the award. They include his success at transitioning7-Elevento a fully-franchised operation, leading a culture revolution at the company that resulted in a customer-focused, servant-leadership approach, and implementing a team-oriented executive model with greater communication between corporate and franchisees.

DePinto also transformed7-Elevenfrom a good business operation to a cutting-edge one that has been a leader in introducing healthier food choices, enhancing store designs and upgrading core categories.

“Joe is recognized as this year’s CSP Retail Leader of the Year because he is a leader who has successfully implemented a dramatic cultural change that is yielding better store performance and a superior7-Elevenbrand experience,” said Paul Reuter, CSP president, CEO and editorial director.

Following a video tribute that included moving remarks by relatives, childhood friends, fellow West Point classmates and industry leaders, DePinto thanked the crowd, quoting Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan who once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”

DePinto closed by saying, “Standing here tonight, I definitely feel like a champion, and I know it’s because of our7-Eleventeam. They are the ones who make my job easy, and who make us look good. They are the ones who made this night possible for7-Eleven. The Retailer of the Year Award belongs to them as much as anyone.”

Also attending and recognized at the CSP event were Jere Thompson and his wife, Peggy. Thompson is one of three sons of7-Elevenfounder Joe C. Thompson Jr. and a former CEO of The Southland Corporation, now operating as7-Eleven, Inc.

For more information on the awards event and Joe DePinto, go to CSP.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas,7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 8,8007-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are approximately 43,3007-Eleven stores in 16 countries. During 2010,7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales close to $63 billion.7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #4 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2009, #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start, and #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies. Hispanic Magazine named7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics.7-Eleven received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer because of the company's private-label brand initiative.7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

Contact:
7-Eleven, Inc.
Margaret Chabris,
972-828-7285
Margaret.chabris@7-11.com

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