Pilot Company has appointed Kari Irons as its new vice president of brand marketing, the convenience retailer told C-Store Dive.
Irons steps into the role last held by the company’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Adrienne Ingoldt, who left the VP role in February 2024, according to her LinkedIn bio.
In a statement, Pilot said that hiring Irons is part of the company’s mission to create “meaningful connections” with its guests beyond the pump.
“Leveraging Kari’s extensive retail-marketing expertise, we will continue to create exceptional experiences,” the company said.
Joining Pilot, the largest travel center operator in the U.S., is Irons’ first foray into the convenience store industry. She most recently spent over two years as vice president of global brand marketing for sports entertainment company Topgolf, according to her LinkedIn bio. Prior to that, Irons held numerous marketing roles over the course of two decades with footwear and apparel brand Journeys, most notably SVP of marketing and direct.
In a statement on LinkedIn, Irons said that her first day with Pilot was on Thursday.
“I’m honored to be part of this talented team as we continue to bring new energy to a brand with such deep roots and purpose,” Irons said.
Irons’ hiring comes as Pilot continues to prioritize its $1 billion New Horizons remodeling program, through which the company expects to revamp about 400 of travel centers with new forecourt lighting, expanded dining areas and upgraded break rooms.
