Couche-Tard has appointed an industry veteran as the new chief financial officer.
Effective Jan. 28, 2016, Claude Tessier will assume the position of chief financial officer of Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Tessier is a retail industry veteran and is joining Couche-Tard from Canadian grocer Sobeys Inc., where he was president of the IGA Operations Business Unit.
“I am excited to join the Couche-Tard family. Couche-Tard is one of the true success stories of Québec,” said Tessier. “In addition to overseeing the financial, reporting and investor relations functions in Couche-Tard, I look forward to joining president and CEO Brian Hannasch in evaluating opportunities for further expansion under the new, global Circle K brand,” Tessier continued. “I am thrilled at this opportunity to play a part in Couche-Tard’s continuing strategic growth and reaching its goal to become the world’s preferred destination for convenience and fuel.”
“Claude has deep experience in large retail businesses and understands the reality of lean, multi-site environments – including service station operations. He has a proven track record as the head of finance of a large, complex business and has experience with financing, acquisitions and capital markets in publicly traded companies. Claude is the ideal candidate to help Couche-Tard continue its strong growth and to continue adding shareholder value with us,” said Brian Hannasch, Couche-Tard’s president and CEO. “Claude’s extensive and relevant experience, combined with his solid leadership skills, will be an excellent addition to our already strong team.”
Claude Tessier has been president of the IGA Operations Business Unit of Sobeys since 2012. He joined IGA in 2003 as vice president, Finance & Strategic Planning for Sobeys Québec. Prior to his position with IGA, Tessier gained more than 15 years as senior financial leadership experience with Fly Furniture, Provigo and Costco, including in chief financial officer and vice president roles. He has also held management positions in Mallette International and PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand).