Chris Gheysens is an American business executive who has served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wawa Inc. since January 2013. Wawa is a privately held chain of convenience stores and gas stations primarily operating in the Mid-Atlantic United States and Florida, widely recognized for its fresh food service, custom-ordered beverages, and coffee.
Early Life and Education Gheysens pursued his higher education in accounting, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University. He furthered his academic credentials by completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Joseph's University.
Career Gheysens commenced his professional career in public accounting before joining Wawa Inc. in 1997. During his tenure at Wawa, he ascended through various leadership roles within the company's finance and administrative departments. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he held the positions of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). In these capacities, he played a pivotal role in shaping Wawa's financial strategies and overseeing its administrative operations.
Leadership at Wawa In January 2013, Gheysens was named CEO of Wawa Inc., succeeding Howard Stoeckel. Under his leadership, Wawa has undertaken substantial strategic initiatives, including:
- Geographic Expansion: Guiding the company's significant expansion into new markets, most notably Florida, while continuing to strengthen its presence in existing states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
- Store Growth: Overseeing the strategic development and opening of numerous new store locations, thereby increasing Wawa's footprint and market penetration.
- Product and Service Innovation: Maintaining Wawa's core focus on its renowned fresh food offerings, customizable beverages, and fuel services, continuously adapting to evolving consumer preferences in the convenience retail sector.
- Corporate Culture: Upholding Wawa's distinctive corporate culture, which is characterized by a significant employee stock ownership program (ESOP), fostering a strong sense of collective ownership and employee engagement.
Gheysens has been instrumental in navigating Wawa through a dynamic and competitive retail landscape, prioritizing customer experience and operational excellence while preserving the brand's identity as a beloved regional institution.
Board Memberships and Philanthropy Beyond his executive responsibilities at Wawa, Gheysens is actively involved in various corporate and philanthropic endeavors. He has served on the boards of directors for several prominent organizations, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS). His participation often reflects a dedication to community welfare and the advancement of the retail industry.