Harris’ leadership of Thorntons’ retail strategy has helped result in the chain’s unprecedented growth, says Thortons CEO.

Thorntons Inc. has named Tony Harris chief operating officer (COO) of the Louisville, Ky.-based convenience store chain.

Harris will be responsible for operations, marketing, gasoline pricing, brand management, customer experience and retail strategy.

A Thorntons Inc. veteran of 17 years, Harris, 40, most recently served as vice president of operations. He joined Thorntons in 1994 and has held various leadership roles in the Information Technology functional area, including director of informational technology projects and vice president of information technology & facility services.

“We are excited to appoint Tony as our new COO,” said Matt Thornton, CEO and president, of Thorntons. “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 is a 1993 graduate of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, with a degree in Management Information Systems. He is currently attending The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University where he will earn his MBA in 2012.

Thorntons also announced the following promotions:

• John Zikias has been named senior vice president of category management and supply chain for both the fuel and merchandise categories. In his new role Zikias will be responsible for category management, merchandise and fuel sales, commissary operations, car wash operations, supply chain/distribution and public relations.

• Rodney Loyd is now director of brand development & strategic initiatives, responsible for consumer communications, brand management and research.

• Jason Doyle has been promoted to southern division vice president of operations.

• Matt Dabulis is the new northern division vice president of operations. Both Doyle and Dabulis will be responsible for retail operations in their respective regions.

Thorntons operates 162 gasoline and convenience stores, car washes and travel plazas in five states: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Thorntons is CSD’s 2011 Chain of the Year:

http://cstoredecisions.com/2011/11/03/thorntons-honored-as-2011-convenience-store-chain-of-the-year/