CHICAGO, July 30, 2025 —The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has tapped a foodservice veteran to serve as its next CEO and president: former Aramark Northern Europe CEO Frank Gleeson.
He will assume the posts from longtime NACS leader Henry Armour on Jan. 1.
In addition to his background in contract management, Gleeson brings to the post deep experience in markets abroad. International expansion is viewed as a major opportunity for the U.S. c-store business.
His experiences overseas include serving as chairman of the National Oil Reserve Agency in Ireland and supporting 330 c-stores abroad as retail director for Topaz Energy Group.
Gleeson headed Aramark’s northern Europe operations from 2017 to 2024. In that post, he oversaw more than 2,800 facilities employing 20,000 employees across the U.K., Ireland, the Middle East, and Africa.
He has long been active in NACS activities, having served on the organization’s international board for 19 years. He was chairman of the association’s main board for the 2018-2019 term.
Gleeson will be only the fourth person to lead NACS. For much of its life, the association has been led by Armour, who announced his 2026 retirement last year.
The board indicated that a deep background in foodservice was one of the characteristics it sought in choosing a successor for Armour. It noted that ready-to-eat foods and beverages generated 28.7% of a typical c-store's indoor revenues in 2024.
As Managing Editor for IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, Romeo is responsible for generating the group's news and feature content. He brings more than 40 years of experience in covering restaurants to the position.