NACS announces new President and CEO

Former Aramark executive Frank Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour in 2026, becoming just the fourth CEO in the association’s 64-year history.

The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has announced that Frank Gleeson will become its next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and a longtime NACS board member, will succeed current CEO Henry Armour, who has led the organization since 2005.

Gleeson’s appointment marks a historic transition, as he will be only the fourth chief executive in the 64-year history of NACS. Armour will remain involved with the association, continuing to lead its international efforts and supporting Gleeson through the leadership transition.

“I’m proud of what we have built at NACS over the past two decades through aggressive advocacy and strong financial management,” Armour said. “We have shown that by creating and constantly nurturing a positive culture we can accomplish extraordinary things together. I’m committed to turning over the best team and resources possible to Frank and continuing to support the organization over the coming years.”

Veteran leader with global experience and deep NACS roots

Gleeson brings extensive experience in both convenience retail and foodservice. At Aramark Northern Europe, he led a workforce of over 20,000 across over 2,800 locations in the UK, Ireland, and EMEA. Prior to Aramark, he held senior leadership roles at Topaz Energy Group and Statoil Ireland, where he was instrumental in bringing American-style convenience retail to the Irish market.

Gleeson’s industry leadership also includes a long history of involvement with NACS and other trade organizations. He previously served as Chairman of the NACS Board of Directors (2018–2019), was a member of the NACS International Board for 19 years, and sat on the main board for over a decade. 

In Ireland, he has held board positions with Retail Ireland, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, and the Irish Transport Authority. He most recently served as chairman of the National Oil Reserve Agency.

“I am honored to follow the successes of Henry Armour and excited to lead NACS, which has a stellar reputation both in the United States and around the world,” Gleeson commented. “I look forward to building upon these successes and the great culture that Henry has led at NACS and throughout the industry.”

Gleeson’s appointment signals continuity and global ambition for NACS as it builds on its strong foundation and advances its mission to support and elevate the convenience and fuel retailing industry worldwide.