The Pantry Inc., headquartered in Cary, N.C., has appointed Terrance Marks to the role of president and CEO, effective Sept. 25.

 

With 1,679 stores in eleven states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner, the Pantry is the leading independently operated c-store chain in the Southeastern U.S.

 

Marks previously served as the executive vice president of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (CCE) and president of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. North American Group. He will succeed Peter Sodini, who is retiring from the company and its board of directors.

 

“After an extensive search process, which included consideration of a number of highly-qualified internal and external candidates from various industries and backgrounds, the board is delighted that Terry will be joining The Pantry as president and CEO,” said Thomas Murnane, lead director and chairman of the search committee. “Terry is a proven dynamic leader who possesses a unique blend of operating experience, strategic vision and brand-building expertise. His broad industry knowledge, coupled with his extensive background as a professional manager, make him ideally suited to lead the company as it continues to grow and evolve. The board is very appreciative of the leadership that Pete Sodini has provided in building this business into what it is today, and is confident in Terry’s ability to lead us into the future.”

 

Marks brings more than 21 years of experience serving the convenience, grocery, mass merchant and quick-serve restaurant industries. As president of CCE North American Group from 2005 to 2008, Marks directed all sales, marketing, finance, operations, manufacturing, distribution, supply chain and human resources for a $15 billion enterprise with 55,000 employees and 400 facilities. During his career at CCE, Marks held a variety of positions from 1987 to 2004, in sales, operations, finance and general management.

 

“I am excited about joining The Pantry and the opportunity to lead this business,” Marks said. “The Pantry is already one of the largest chains in the industry and has tremendous potential to continue to grow and become a best-in-class operator. My initial focus will be to work with the board and the management team to refine our strategic vision and prioritize our investments to drive shareholder value.”