7-Eleven Inc. has appointed Bill Merrigan to serve as the vice president of logistics for its 6,200-store chain in the U.S. and Canada.
Merrigan, who was most recently vice president of Global Supply Chain for International Paper in Tennessee, will report to Kevin Elliott, 7-Eleven’s senior vice president of merchandising, marketing and logistics.
“Bill brings a wealth of experience and expertise to 7-Eleven and will help us drive greater excellence in quality, service and delivered cost to our franchisees and, ultimately, our customers,” said Elliott. “We are focused on innovating and adapting our supply chain to create greater efficiencies in our distribution models.”
Merrigan will lead 7-Eleven stores’ logistics operations, which includes managing its wholesaler relationships, direct-store product deliveries and the company’s exclusive combined distribution center (CDC) network. His office will be at the company’s headquarters in Dallas.
7-Eleven’s CDC network combines products from multiple suppliers, for daily distribution by third-party logistics providers. The system was designed from a customer’s points of view, rather than keeping just the supplier’s needs in mind.
Merrigan has more than 32 years of logistics and transportation experience. While at International Paper, he was responsible for sourcing, warehousing, transportation, corporate real estate and strategic service. Before joining International Paper, he was senior vice president at Fleming Companies Inc. and Nash Finch Company, both national wholesalers, where he directed distribution operations and labor relations.
As an active member of national and international logistics and transportation trade organizations, Merrigan serves on the board of directors of the Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions Association. He also is a member of the National Freight Transportation Alliance.
