7-Eleven’s next CEO will face a steep climb

Core Insights - Joseph DePinto, CEO of 7-Eleven since 2005, will retire at the end of this year, marking a significant leadership change as the company prepares for an IPO in 2026 [2][3][4] - Stan Reynolds and Doug Rosencrans will serve as co-CEOs until a permanent replacement is found, with the search being a key focus for the convenience store industry leading into 2026 [3][4] - The upcoming IPO is expected to enhance 7-Eleven's growth potential by increasing flexibility and responsiveness to customer needs, leveraging its extensive network of over 9,000 stores in the U.S. [5] Company Strategy - The new CEO will be responsible for advancing transformation efforts, unlocking the full potential of 7-Eleven, and expanding its market presence in North America [4] - The IPO is anticipated to generate significant capital, enabling investments in business expansion, particularly in large-format, food-focused stores, with a goal of opening 600 new locations by 2027 [6] - The next CEO will also focus on increasing private-brand and fuel sales while reducing operating costs, which are currently higher than competitors on a per-store basis [7]