In a sector historically dominated by male leadership, the convenience-store industry is witnessing a remarkable shift as women step into pivotal roles, driving innovation and reshaping the future of retail, technology, and customer engagement. This transformation isn’t just about filling positions; it’s about redefining what leadership looks like in an industry that thrives on adaptability and forward-thinking strategies. From retail presidencies to technology oversight and human resources modernization, female leaders are breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence. Their influence is evident across retailers, suppliers, and consulting firms, where their expertise is not only recognized but celebrated as a catalyst for growth. This evolving landscape reflects a broader movement toward diversity and inclusivity, challenging long-standing norms and proving that varied perspectives at the top can lead to stronger, more innovative organizations ready to meet the demands of a dynamic market.
Breaking Barriers in Retail Leadership
The ascent of women into top-tier roles within convenience-store retail operations marks a significant departure from traditional industry dynamics, showcasing their capacity to lead large-scale enterprises with vision and grit. Take Ashley Englefield DeWitt, who has recently been named president of Englefield Retail, a company based in Heath, Ohio, managing 116 Duchess Convenience Stores alongside other foodservice brands. Her appointment is more than a title; it represents a continuation of a family legacy as she builds on her grandfather’s foundation with a commitment to growth and community connection. DeWitt’s leadership is poised to steer the company through competitive challenges, emphasizing strategic expansion and customer-centric approaches that resonate in today’s fast-paced retail environment. Her role underscores a growing trend where women are not just participants but key decision-makers in shaping the operational and cultural fabric of major retail chains, proving their ability to balance heritage with innovation in a demanding sector.
Equally impactful is Beth Turenne’s appointment as vice president of brand management at EG America, a powerhouse ranked highly among U.S. convenience-store chains. With a robust background from her time at Dunkin’, Turenne brings a wealth of experience in brand strategy and consumer engagement to her new position. Her enthusiasm for joining a dynamic team highlights a readiness to tackle the complexities of managing brand identity across a vast network of stores. This role places her at the forefront of ensuring that EG America remains a trusted name in the industry, adapting to evolving customer expectations while maintaining operational excellence. Turenne’s presence in such a strategic position illustrates how women are increasingly entrusted with shaping the public face of major players, leveraging their insights to drive loyalty and market share in a highly competitive field. Her work is a testament to the critical role female leaders play in aligning brand values with consumer needs.
Innovating Across Technology and Support Functions
On the supplier side, women are making equally profound contributions by spearheading advancements in technology and operational strategy, areas crucial to the convenience-store ecosystem’s evolution. Dawn-Marie Hutchinson’s appointment as senior vice president and chief information officer at Reynolds American Inc., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, exemplifies this trend. Tasked with leading technology strategy and operations, Hutchinson is positioned to integrate cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Her role is pivotal in an era where digital transformation dictates competitive advantage, ensuring that technology aligns with business goals to support retail partners. This leadership position highlights how women are not only adapting to technological shifts but actively driving them, bringing a fresh perspective to traditionally technical domains and fostering innovation that ripples across the industry.
Meanwhile, Natalie Rothman’s new role as chief human resources officer at The Hershey Co. demonstrates the critical influence of women in modernizing support functions through innovative practices. With prior experience at Inspire Brands, Rothman brings expertise in leveraging automation and AI tools to streamline HR operations, enhancing workforce management and employee engagement. Her strategic vision focuses on creating a workplace that supports growth and adaptability, which is essential for a company deeply tied to the convenience-store supply chain. Rothman’s approach signals a shift toward prioritizing people-centric policies alongside operational goals, ensuring that talent development keeps pace with industry demands. Her contributions reflect a broader recognition of how diverse leadership in support roles can redefine organizational success, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and forward-thinking HR strategies in sustaining long-term growth.
Transforming Foodservice and Consulting Landscapes
The foodservice segment of the convenience-store industry is also experiencing a wave of transformation, thanks to female leaders who are turning challenges into opportunities for high-margin growth. Mendy Meriwether, a seasoned industry veteran, has joined NexChapter, a consulting firm established recently, as vice president of foodservice practice. With a robust background from roles at Wawa and EG America, Meriwether is tasked with helping retailers reimagine foodservice as a key driver of profitability. Her expertise lies in translating strategic plans into actionable results, a skill praised by industry peers for its impact on operational success. This role positions her as a guiding force for retailers looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, showcasing how women are pivotal in redefining customer experiences through innovative offerings that meet evolving tastes and preferences.
Beyond individual achievements, Meriwether’s appointment at NexChapter reflects a larger shift within consulting and advisory roles, where women are increasingly recognized for their ability to offer unique insights into industry challenges. Her focus on transforming foodservice operations aligns with the broader industry push toward enhancing in-store experiences to attract and retain customers. This strategic emphasis not only boosts revenue but also strengthens brand positioning in a competitive landscape. The growing presence of female leaders in such influential consulting roles underscores their capacity to drive systemic change, leveraging deep industry knowledge to craft solutions that resonate across diverse retail environments. Their contributions are vital in helping companies navigate complexities, ensuring that innovation in foodservice becomes a cornerstone of convenience-store success.
Shaping a Diverse and Dynamic Future
Reflecting on the strides made by these remarkable leaders, it’s evident that their appointments mark a turning point for the convenience-store industry, setting a precedent for diversity and innovation in leadership. Women like Ashley Englefield DeWitt, Beth Turenne, Dawn-Marie Hutchinson, Natalie Rothman, and Mendy Meriwether demonstrate that expertise and vision know no gender boundaries, as they tackle complex challenges with unparalleled skill. Their roles across retail, technology, HR, and consulting paint a picture of an industry ready to embrace change, where varied perspectives fuel progress. Looking ahead, the industry can build on this momentum by fostering inclusive environments that attract and nurture diverse talent. Encouraging mentorship programs and creating pathways for advancement will ensure that the legacy of these pioneers continues, paving the way for future generations to innovate and lead with confidence in a rapidly evolving market.
