Simon Richards Email Address

Chief Executive Officer

Thorntons Inc. is one of the leading independent gasoline and convenience chain retailers.

With 20+ years of experience leading up to my CEO tenure, I have utilized executive-level leadership to drive strategic business operations, including business development initiatives. Throughout my career, I have been integral to establishing people focused strategy & execution, while ensuring seamless M&A transactions. As a leader, I have focused on global cross-functional collaboration while overseeing thousands of employees. With an extensive people & culture focus, I have been able to drive high-level change management while delivering business process improvements & modernization. Some of my key achievements include: ✅ Created Private Equity backed Joint Venture and successfully executed >$1B leveraged buyout of $2.3B, 200 store convenience retail business. As CEO delivered 50% EBITDA and 10% network growth in less than two years ✅ Strategically negotiated 3 refined product terminals and oil pipeline joint ventures in conjunction with the Private Equity partner with >$500M deal value ✅ Negotiated new terms with the Canadian government for access to cross border Canadian crude pipeline by adjusting capacity allocation regulations and securing $100M annually in crude supply cost reductions ✅ Led the M&A process to carve out and sell BP’s 475 KBD Texas City Oil Refinery and 1200MW Cogeneration Power Plant securing and closing a $2.5B deal ✅ Led multiple teams with 200+ consultants and employee business improvement program for BP’s then 5 US oil refineries, delivering $1.5B annual savings ✅ Prepared for an IPO of BP’s Olefins and Derivatives Chemicals business, spanning 27 chemicals plants, 2 oil refineries, 8K employees, and marketing businesses across 3 continents, securing a subsequent $9B divestment Please contact me through this profile if you wish to connect.