CST Brands’ Jeremy Bergeron to take the helm as president of CrossAmerica Partners.
CST Brands Inc. and CrossAmerica Partners LP announced that Joe Topper, the CEO and president of CrossAmerica, has decided to retire as CEO effective Sept. 30, 2015.
In order to ensure a smooth leadership transition, Topper will resign as president of CrossAmerica effective immediately and Jeremy Bergeron, who served as CST Brands’ senior vice president of integration and development operations, has been named CrossAmerica’s president.
Topper will continue the day-to-day management of CrossAmerica until Sept. 30. Bergeron will report to Topper until Topper retires as CEO. Topper will also continue to serve on the boards of both CrossAmerica and CST Brands after he formally steps down as CEO.
“I look forward to working side-by-side with Jeremy and introducing him to our great employees, as well as the Allentown, Pennsylvania community,” said Topper. “One thing is certain, he will definitely need warmer clothes.”
“Without a doubt,” said Bergeron, “Joe’s shoes are big ones to fill, but my family and I are thrilled with the prospect of joining the Allentown community.”
David Hrinak, CrossAmerica’s current executive vice-president and chief operating officer, will continue in his role and report directly to Bergeron. Hrinak brings decades of experience in the industry, and a calm, steady leadership presence to the organization.
“We want to thank Joe for his tremendous leadership and for graciously giving us six months to make this a seamless transition,” said Kim Lubel, chairman, CEO and president of CST Brands. “With this strong leadership succession plan, we hope to continue to create value for our shareholders and unit holders. We are excited for the next phase in the growth of our integrated company.”