You’re probably used to seeing the same familiar green and orange stripes on every street corner. But behind the scenes at the Irving, Texas headquarters, things look a whole lot different than they did just a few weeks ago. If you're looking for the name of the person running the show, there isn't just one.
As of early 2026, 7-Eleven is currently led by interim co-CEOs Stan Reynolds and Doug Rosencrans.
This isn't just some minor corporate shuffling. It’s the end of an era. For over twenty years, Joe DePinto was the face of the company. He steered the ship through the massive Speedway acquisition and grew the brand to over 80,000 stores globally. Then, right at the end of 2025, he called it quits. Now, the world’s biggest convenience store chain is in a bit of a transition phase while they hunt for a permanent successor.
Why 7-Eleven Has Co-CEOs Right Now
Honestly, it’s a massive job. You can't just replace two decades of institutional knowledge overnight. The board decided to split the load between two heavy hitters who already knew where all the bodies were buried—figuratively speaking.
Stan Reynolds isn't a newbie. Before stepping into the co-CEO role, he was the President of 7-Eleven, Inc. He’s been with the company since 1997. If you want to talk about the "money guy," that’s Stan. He spent years as the CFO and was the architect behind the scenes for the $21 billion Speedway deal back in 2021. He handles the math, the mergers, and the high-level strategy.
Then you have Doug Rosencrans. He’s the boots-on-the-ground guy. As the former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Doug's job has always been about making sure those 13,000+ stores in North America actually function. He deals with the logistics, the fuel pricing, and the franchise operations. Before 7-Eleven, he was at ExxonMobil, so he knows the "gas and snacks" business inside out.
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The Big Retirement: What Happened to Joe DePinto?
It's hard to overstate how much of a fixture Joe DePinto was. He took the reins in 2005. To put that in perspective, the iPhone didn't even exist yet. Under his watch, 7-Eleven became a digital-first company with an actual loyalty program and a delivery app.
So, why leave now?
It seems like a "mission accomplished" moment mixed with a massive corporate pivot. DePinto’s departure coincided with some pretty intense pressure from the parent company, Seven & i Holdings, based in Japan. There was a failed $47 billion takeover attempt by Alimentation Couche-Tard (the folks who own Circle K) last year. That close call lit a fire under the leadership to "unlock value," which is corporate-speak for "make the stock price go up or else."
The Shadow CEO: Stephen Hayes Dacus
While Stan and Doug are running the day-to-day in Texas, there is another name you have to know: Stephen Hayes Dacus.
In early 2025, Dacus became the first foreign-born CEO of the parent company, Seven & i Holdings. He’s a fluent Japanese speaker and a retail veteran. He is basically the one pulling the strings from the top. Dacus is the one who pushed for the "New 7-Eleven" strategy, which involves spinning off the North American business into its own separate company.
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The 2026 IPO: 7-Eleven is Going Public (Again)
This is the real reason the CEO of 7-Eleven position is such a hot seat right now. The company is gearing up for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the second half of 2026.
For years, 7-Eleven was just a subsidiary of a massive Japanese conglomerate that also owned department stores and supermarkets. Investors hated that. They wanted 7-Eleven to just be 7-Eleven. Dacus listened. He sold off the supermarket division (York Holdings) to Bain Capital for billions and is now prepping to list 7-Eleven on a U.S. stock exchange.
Whoever gets the permanent CEO job isn't just running a convenience store; they’re launching a multi-billion dollar public company.
What the New Leadership Means for Your Slurpee Run
You might think corporate drama doesn't matter when you just want a Big Bite at 2:00 AM. But it does. The interim leadership is doubling down on a few specific things that will change your local store:
- Better Food: They are obsessed with becoming a "food-focused" retailer. Think less "sad hot dog on a roller" and more "freshly prepared sandwiches and high-quality coffee."
- Larger Stores: They’re moving away from tiny cramped corner spots and building 1,300 new "large-format" stores by 2030.
- 7NOW Delivery: Expect the app to get way more aggressive. They want to be the fastest delivery option in your neighborhood.
Misconceptions About 7-Eleven's Leadership
A lot of people think 7-Eleven is still a purely American company. It’s not. It has been Japanese-owned since the 90s. Even with the upcoming IPO, Seven & i Holdings plans to keep a majority stake.
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Another common mistake? Thinking the CEO is the one who decides everything. 7-Eleven is a franchise model. Most of the stores are owned by independent business people. The CEO has to balance the needs of those franchise owners with the demands of the corporate shareholders. It’s a delicate dance, and if you trip, the whole system wobbles.
What’s Next for the CEO Search?
The board has hired a global executive search firm to find DePinto’s permanent replacement. They aren't just looking at internal names. There’s a good chance they bring in an outsider—maybe someone from a tech background or a high-end food service brand—to really shake things up before the IPO.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Watch the stock news: If you’re into investing, keep an eye on Seven & i Holdings (TYO: 3382) until the U.S. IPO happens later this year.
- Check your app: The 7Rewards program is the new leadership's favorite toy. Expect better deals as they try to beef up their user numbers before going public.
- Look for "New Format" stores: If a 7-Eleven near you is getting a massive renovation, that’s the physical manifestation of the new leadership's strategy.
The era of Joe DePinto is over. Whether Stan and Doug remain at the helm or a new face takes over by summer, 2026 is officially the year 7-Eleven tries to reinvent itself for the stock market. It’s a risky bet, but in the world of convenience, you either evolve or you end up like the old video rental shops.