Michael Evans to oversee day-to-day execution of the business in newly created role.
Sam Simon, chairman and CEO of Atlas Oil Co., has announced the promotion of Michael Evans to the newly created position of President and Chief Operating Officer.
Evans was executive vice president, real estate and business development. With this move, Simon will transition to a more visionary role for Atlas Oil while shifting the day-to-day execution of the business to Evans. The change is effective immediately and will fully transition by Jan. 1, 2014.
“We are charting a path to move Atlas Oil Co. forward to become the best in our industry,” said Simon. “After 28 years of being involved in the day to day leadership of Atlas, I will now move to a more strategic and visionary role which is critical to our company’s growth. Michael and I have been partners and business associates for the past 17 years. I have complete confidence in his ability to take over the reins as President and guide us into the exciting years ahead.”
Evans joined Atlas in the fall of 1996. Since then, he has held a number of executive positions, including heading up real estate development and sales, serving as commercial and industrial sales manager and as chief development officer of Atlas Oil Co. He has also been instrumental in completing several acquisitions for the company.
“I am honored to be named to this new role as president and chief operating officer of Atlas Oil,” said Evans. “Under Sam’s leadership, I have had the opportunity to develop my deep knowledge of the business. I look forward to helping us move forward as both a company and a respected corporate citizen in the communities and businesses we serve.”
Evans’ business career spans more than 24 years including eight years with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) where he began as a Financial Analyst supporting General Motors Executive Staff business units. He was selected for many significant M&A opportunities culminating in the lead financial role for the negotiating team on EDS’s spin off from General Motors (GM) in 1996.
Evans attended Western Michigan University and graduated with honors with a BBA in Finance and Accounting. He is active in several professional organizations including the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and the Michigan Petroleum Association (MPA). He also served on the State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Underground Storage Tank (UST) System Cleanup Advisory Board. Evans has also been active in community organizations, including the Harvest Temple Cass Corridor Outreach group, a feeding program for the homeless and the World Vision Organization.
Atlas launched its Earth Market brand of convenience stores in the Chicago market in 2013 and also supplies fuel to nearly 400 gasoline convenience stores throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.