Knoxville, Tenn. — Pilot Company, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, has announced its 2022 strategic growth plan and the addition of four vice presidents to its leadership team.
Pilot Company is investing significantly in growing and enhancing its travel center network this year with plans to add more than 34 locations, including 14 new travel centers and over 20 dealer sites. In partnership with Southern Tire Mart, the two companies are expecting to add 40 new Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J (STMPFJ) service centers (pictured at left) to Pilot Flying J locations across the country. This is part of STMPFJ’s expansion plans to provide fleets with over 200 on-premises shop locations within the next few years.
In addition to network growth, Pilot Company is stepping up its initiatives to provide travelers and professional truck drivers with upgraded amenities, more offerings and new services that make the store experience easier, faster and more rewarding. Key initiatives will include testing new food concepts, facility upgrades, technology enhancements and introducing new partnerships, such as the recent addition of GNC wellness products to Pilot Flying J stores nationwide.
“We are always looking ahead and listening to our guests and team members to drive future innovation and strategic investments in our business,” says Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company.
Pilot Company is also exploring additional corporate sustainability programs. It plans to further leverage its energy division and capabilities as one of the largest suppliers of biodiesel and alternative fuels to evaluate new opportunities and future innovations that will support the industry’s energy transformation.
Last but not least, three team members have been recently promoted and a new hire added to round out the company’s leadership team.
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Allison Cornish
Allison Cornish has been promoted to vice president, store modernization. Since joining the company in 1999, Cornish has held leadership positions, including her most recent role as Zone vice president, operations. Her knowledge on store operations and its impact on the team member and guest experience will play a significant role as she oversees store modernization projects.
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Jamie Landis
Jamie Landis has been promoted to vice president, team member experience. Landis joined the company in June 2021 as senior director, human resources strategy and operations.
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Tim Langenkamp
Tim Langenkamp has been promoted to vice president, business development – sustainability. He will focus on developing EV charging infrastructure, developing a strategy for supporting low emission and zero emission vehicles, and continuing to provide low carbon fueling alternatives to guests. He has been serving as general counsel for the energy unit of Pilot Company since 2019.
- Jonathan Braatvedt joined Pilot Company as vice president, food and beverage, to focus on expanding Pilot Flying J’s offerings into new business channels, improving operational efficiencies and enhancing guests’ food and beverage experiences. Braatvedt oversees more than 790 owned and operated restaurants across 14 brands, and 670 proprietary fresh delis’, from development to execution. Prior to Pilot Company, he spent 10 years at Taco Bell.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see many talented people being promoted internally and joining the Pilot family to lead our teams as we continue to expand and differentiate our business,” Konar says. “We are in the service industry and will continue to do everything we can to make a better day for everyone that walks through our doors.”
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot Company has grown its network to more than 800 retail and fueling locations and as the third largest tanker fleet in North America. Its energy division also supplies DEF, bio and renewables and provides hauling and disposal services. Its Pilot Flying J Travel Center network includes over 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces with more than 680 restaurants. For more information, visit www.pilotcompany.com.
SOURCE: Pilot Company