The Pantry Names Dennis G. Hatchell as President and Chief Executive Officer
)--The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern U.S., today announced that Dennis G. Hatchell will become President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective March 5, 2012. Mr. Hatchell previously served as Vice Chairman of Alex Lee, Inc. headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, which is a holding company for Lowe’s Food Stores, Merchants Distributors, Inc. and Institution Food House. He will succeed Edwin J. Holman who served as interim CEO since Terrance M. Marks resigned as CEO effective in October 2011. Mr. Holman will remain in his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, working closely with Mr. Hatchell, who will join the Board of Directors following the Company’s Annual Meeting in March.Wilfred A. Finnegan, Lead Director, stated, "After an extensive search process, the Board is delighted that Dennis will be joining The Pantry as President and CEO. Dennis is a proven leader who possesses a unique blend of merchandising and operating experience. We believe his successful track record in the food distribution and retail grocery business where he served in various principal positions for thirty three years, make him ideally suited to lead the company, as it continues to grow and succeed in the highly competitive convenience store market sector. The Board is very appreciative of the leadership that Ed Holman has provided on an interim basis to keep the Company focused on its strategic objectives."
