Weigel’s expands management team

Powell-based convenience store chain Weigel’s has expanded its management team, effective immediately.

William B. “Bill” Weigel, son of a company founder, will now serve as the company’s chair – retaining an active role in the company’s future growth and direction.

Ken McMullen, president of Weigel’s since 2001, will replace Weigel as chief executive officer. McMullen joined Weigel’s in 1981 as operations manager. He also has served as vice president of operations, executive vice president, and was the first non-family member to be named president of Weigel’s. While serving as president, McMullen oversaw the addition of 46 new stores and the company’s first bakery.

Douglas Yawberry, a nine-year veteran with Weigel’s, will move from vice president of operations to president and chief operations officer. Yawberry has been key to the day-to-day operations of the 66 stores, Weigel said, as well a serving as a member of Weigel’s top management and corporate marketing group.

John Kelly has been named vice president of operations. Prior to joining Weigel’s in July 2017, Kelly served for 13 years as vice president of operations and COO for the 90-store chain of Road Runner Markets, based in Johnson City, Tenn. He was previously division operations manager and national category manager with Sunoco and marketing manager with Coastal Inc.

Bill Weigel said recently he’s got no plans to retire. He joined Weigel’s in 1960 and was instrumental in establishing the drive-thru “Jug ‘O Milk” stores, followed by the opening of the first walk-in milk store in 1964, which was also the first convenience store in Knoxville. Interestingly, the store under construction in Powell is a prototype for a new concept – a convenience store with a drive-thru window.

Over the years, Bill Weigel has served as general manager, vice president, president and CEO. The company was founded by his father and uncle in 1931. Under his leadership, Weigel’s has grown from a home delivery supplier of milk to 66 convenience stores, as well as a dairy and bakery.