Robert Hampton has joined convenience store chain Yesway as chief technology officer. Reporting to Tom Trkla, chairman, CEO and president, Hampton will lead Yesway’s information technology strategy and oversee all aspects of enterprise technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity and innovation.
With more than 20 years of executive technology leadership experience in the retail, convenience and supply chain sectors, Hampton brings a track record of modernizing technology platforms, integrating large-scale acquisitions and building high-performing IT organizations. His industry expertise, strategic vision and customer-centric mindset position him to play a role in supporting Yesway’s continued growth and operational excellence.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to Yesway,” said Trkla. “Robert is a highly respected technology leader with a rare combination of hands-on technical depth, retail industry knowledge and strategic leadership experience. His ability to modernize platforms, scale operations and lead transformational initiatives will be instrumental as we continue to expand our footprint and enhance the experience for our customers, team members and partners.”
In his role as chief technology officer, Hampton will establish and manage Yesway’s technical vision and roadmap, overseeing the evaluation, development and deployment of all enterprise, store-level, web and mobile technology platforms. He will lead digital transformation initiatives across retail, fuel and back-office operations, ensure the security and reliability of mission-critical systems and build a data and analytics infrastructure to support real-time decision-making. Hampton also will manage the company’s technology budget, ensure compliance, oversee cybersecurity and disaster recovery planning and lead the development and growth of Yesway’s IT organization.
Industry experience
Hampton joins Texas-based Yesway following a decade with Jacksons Companies, a vertically integrated convenience and fuel retailer with more than $5 billion in revenue, where he served as chief information officer and VP of technology solutions and innovation. During his tenure, he led the acquisition and integration of more than 120 stores, helped launch the ExtraMile Convenience Stores joint venture with Chevron – scaling the brand to more than 1,200 locations – and redesigned the IT organization to improve operational maturity. He also established a 24/7/365 enterprise support center and managed full financial oversight of the company’s technology portfolio.
Hampton held senior technology leadership roles at AECOM, where he managed a $22.5 million infrastructure budget and led IT integration for a $1.2 billion acquisition, as well as positions with ValleyCrest Companies and The Warner Group. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering/computer science from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Hampton is an industry thought leader, serving as chairman of the board of advisors for Conexxus, the convenience retail technology standards organization. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at major industry events including NACS, NRF and Conexxus and serves on advisory boards for Texas Tech University and Boise State University.
“I am excited to join Yesway at such an important stage in the company’s growth,” Hampton said. “Yesway has built an impressive platform with a strong culture and a clear vision for the future. I look forward to partnering with the leadership team to advance our technology capabilities, support innovation across the organization and ensure we are well-positioned to scale efficiently while delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and teams.”
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