Zsuzsa Hordai
Zsuzsa Hordai, Head of Strategic Projects
SPAR International
With over 10 years of experience in international market development, strategy, e-commerce and AI, I am currently leading international strategic projects across SPAR worldwide, a leading global food retail organization with over 13,500 stores in 48 countries. I also coordinate and manage our development plans in the GCC region. My mission is to drive growth and innovation through collaboration across SPAR's diverse and dynamic markets, leveraging data, AI-driven insights, best practices, and the power of our network.
As a former International Retail Development Manager at SPAR International, I successfully led the strategic business development and expansion in Europe and China, launching new markets, developing omni-channel capabilities, and leading the global e-commerce action group. My strong background in consumer goods, retail, data, and AI, combined with certifications in Lean Six Sigma, communication and finance, enables me to create value for customers, partners, and stakeholders through effective and engaging solutions.
In addition to my professional roles, I am passionate about mentoring and coaching emerging leaders within the industry. I have guided numerous professionals in their career development, helping them to achieve their goals and excel in their roles. I am particularly committed to female empowerment and leadership, actively supporting initiatives that promote gender equality and the advancement of women in business.
My commitment to leadership extends to my engagement with industry bodies such as NACS, CGF, and the AI Council, where we collaborate to drive key initiatives within the grocery retail industry for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Christopher Hartman
Christopher Hartman, VP of Fuels, Advertising, and Development
Rutter's
Chris is currently the Vice President of Fuels, Advertising, and Development for Rutter’s convenience stores, in York, PA, as well as President of M&G Realty. He is the 11th generation to work in the family business, dating back to the founding of the Rutter’s farm in 1747.
Chris grew up working in his family’s stores, beginning at age 13, while also attending and participating in various convenience store industry events for over 20 years.
In 2016, Chris moved to Washington D.C. to attend George Washington University’s Global MBA program, receiving his master’s degree in 2018, with a concentration in Finance. In July of 2018, Chris returned to his roots, joining Rutter’s as Director of Fuels and Forecourt, later adding Advertising, Construction and Real Estate acquisition to his responsibilities with the company.
In his free time, Chris enjoys travelling and golfing. He currently lives in York with his wife, Hilarie.
Frodi Hammer
Frodi Hammer, VP & Founder of A2i Technology
A2i by OPIS, A Dow Jones Company
As the VP and Founder of A2i Technologies at A2i by OPIS, a Dow Jones company, Frodi Hammer is a pioneer in implementing artificial intelligence within the retail industry. He serves as the chief architect and driving force behind PriceCast, a revolutionary self-learning algorithm designed for fuel price optimization. A2i by OPIS is an advanced AI firm that specializes in customer-centric fuel pricing.
Earlier in his career, Frodi was a Ph.D. researcher in AI at the University of Southern Denmark. His academic research, which earned recognition at various international conferences, was foundational to creating PriceCast's unique, customer-focused algorithm. By merging sophisticated artificial intelligence with rigorous compliance standards, PriceCast empowers fuel retailers to navigate intricate markets with confidence. It replaces obsolete, rule-based mechanisms with predictive, customer-centric pricing models that enables fuel retailers to meet their strategic objectives ethically, transparently, and successfully.
Edwin de Graaff
Edwin de Graaff, Global Head of Shop Format & Innovation at Shell Mobility & Convenience
Shell
Edwin is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in Retail and Supply Chain Management. Currently, he serves as the Global Head of Shop Format & Innovation at Shell Mobility & Convenience, where he spearheads strategic initiatives for customer offerings, including the development of retail design of EV-Hub, Shell Café, modular store concepts, and many other projects. He also holds a position as the Director and Board Member of Shell TapUp B.V.
Throughout his career, Edwin has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, leading teams of over 50 professionals and enhancing Shell's non-fuel retail capabilities. His leadership approach focuses on developing people, fostering a collaborative environment, and empowering his team to achieve their full potential. Edwin's strategic leadership in optimizing supply chain strategies has been instrumental in driving significant improvements and efficiencies.
Edwin's extensive retail expertise includes negotiating multi-billion-dollar deals and overseeing retail procurement globally for the retail supply chain. His leadership in contract negotiations and supplier relationship management has driven significant cost efficiencies and value creation.
Edwin holds executive education credentials from MIT, Wharton, and Kellogg, and has a background in Business Economics and Information Management. A persuasive communicator and thought leader, Edwin frequently represents Shell at industry events, sharing insights on convenience retail, innovation, future outlook, and business practices.
Outside of work, Edwin enjoys golf, hockey, cycling, and spending time with his wife and 3 children. He speaks 4 languages, Dutch, English, German and Spanish.
Theo Foukkare
Theo Foukkare, Chief Executive Officer
Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS)
Theo Foukkare is the CEO of the Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), bringing extensive leadership experience and strategic vision to the dynamic convenience retail industry.
Passionate about driving growth, innovation, and sustainability within the channel, Theo is a trusted voice for retailers, suppliers, government stakeholders & the media.
Theo’s collaborative approach ensures that AACS remains a leading advocate for the convenience channel, prioritizing both the success of legitimate businesses and the broader community’s needs. An experienced and strategic leader, Theo is committed to helping shape the future of Convenience in Australia through his advocacy, thought leadership, and focus on protecting the interests of the industry.
Santiago Ferreccio
Santiago Ferreccio, Head YPF FULL
YPF SA
Business Administrator with a Postgraduate degree in Business. Oriented to commercial management, operations, and new business development, with analytical thinking, negotiation, planning, and organization skills.
Vast experience with more than 20 years in Convenience Retailing, Sales, Marketing, and Operations, leading oil companies in the Argentine market. I emphasize my experience in the formation and management of heterogeneous client-oriented work teams, obtaining
results and providing advice. Member of the YPF Commercial School, training 1000+ employees.
Jorge Escuin-Rubio
Jorge Escuin-Rubio, Head of Strategy and Business Development – Mobility
REPSOL SA
With 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Jorge has spent almost his entire professional career in Repsol.
He began in 1994 in different sales and management positions in the Service Stations Business. He continued his professional growth by leading teams in Planning and Control Downstream Business, Regulatory Affairs, until he reached his current position as Director of Strategy and Business Development in the mobility area where, together with a great team, he works hard to provide customers with products and services wherever, whenever and however they need them.
An advocate of a fair energy transition, which ensures the promotion of efficient and sustainable mobility, from technological neutrality to excellence in customer experience, Jorge is leading the deployment of a new 100% renewable diesel at 1,500 sites in Spain and Portugal by the end of the year.
Over the last few years, he has also promoted the transformation of service stations in the Repsol group, with significant projects such as the creation of a new model of semi-proximity store, SuperCor Stop and Go, the set up the largest digital network of carwashes in Spain, Repsol Klin or several partnerships with leading brands such as El Corte Inglés, Amazon, Starbucks, Nespresso, Disney, …
He is also a member of the board of directors of Wible which is the car sharing company that Repsol has in Madrid, together with the Korean automaker KIA.
With a degree in Business Administration, he also holds an MBA from IESE business school.
Company description:
Repsol is a multi-energy company committed to a sustainable world with a forward-looking vision based on innovation and efficiency.
Repsol has a diverse team of more than 24,000 employees representing 79 nationalities who work across 29 countries.
They search for, produce, transform, and sell the oil and natural gas they obtain, in the knowledge that they need to meet both current and future energy needs.
Repsol is present throughout the entire energy value chain cycle, ranging from oil and gas exploration and production to low-carbon electricity generation and the production and marketing of energy solutions for the home, industry, and mobility.
It offers many solutions to meet society's essential needs, always guaranteeing the highest quality, safety, and efficiency of all its products and services, developed with the highest technological innovation. Repsol provides its customers with all the energy solutions they need for transportation, home, or business.
Repsol is Leading the energy transition with the aim of achieving the primary goal of becoming net zero by 2050. It relies on various lines of action in line with the targets set out in the Paris Agreement. To reach this goal, Repsol has set itself a demanding roadmap, including ambitious emissions reduction targets initially established in its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and updated on Repsol ESG Day.
Digitization and technology are fundamental in meeting its goal of being a net-zero emissions company by 2050. It relies on digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotic process automation (RPA), cloud solutions, advanced data analytics, and more. In addition, Repsol boasts its research center, the Repsol Technology Lab, where more than 250 experts work on the development of new technological solutions for the energy industry's entire value chain.
Ambition, technology, and project execution enable Repsol to increase the speed at which they achieve this target.
Mert Dunder
Mert Dunder, Head of Operational Technology
Petrol Ofisi Group
Results-driven manager with progressive experience gained in the competitive energy industry. Proven track record in several communication infrastructure, automation and operational technology activities, product development through project management, effective staff management. Expertise coupled with the development of strong customer and vendor relationships conductive to business growth. Demonstrates in-depth technical, analytical knowledge and strategic ability to facilitate operational and procedural planning – evaluating – assessing and managing the technology process.
Joe Boyle
Joe Boyle, Chief Executive Officer
FRESHSTOP
Joe Boyle is the Chief Executive Office of FreshStop, a leading forecourt convenience store in South Africa - part of the Foo Lover’s Market Group. Joe began his career in Ireland, where he trained as an Apprentice Baker before emigrating to South Africa in 1983, Married with two children he settled in Nelspruit near his in-laws, he found employment with a construction company, contributing to the Sappi paper mill expansion at Ngodwana for nearly four years. His children's need for better educational opportunities prompted a move to Randburg, where his 3 child was born.
Entering the retail sector as a Bakery Manager at Hyperama Sandton, Joe quickly ascended to Specialty Food Manager. His ambition led him to a management training program that included an intensive two-year course akin to a mini MBA, culminating in a thorough 14-week retail overview with 17 challenging exams. Excelling in his studies, Joe graduated top of his class of 32, leading to a Buyer position at Hyperama's Head Office. He impressively grew his purchasing portfolio there from R1.5 million to over R100 million per month over six years.
In 1994, the he was appointed as Operations Manager at King Pie, a modestly sized franchise with 16 stores. Within three years, Joe ascended to the role of Managing Director as the brand expanded its presence to nearly 300 stores within South Africa and ventured globally with openings in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, and England.
Following King Pie's acquisition by Rebhold, subsequently renamed Mvelaphanda, the franchise met its profit targets ahead of schedule under Joe’s leadership. Simultaneously, sluggish growth and profitability issues at Royal Foods Services, another Rebhold subsidiary in Durban's contract catering sector, prompted shareholders to assign him to groom a new Managing Director for King Pie and oversee profitability and growth improvements at Royal Foods Services. Key to success was advancing the company's BEE rating and merging it with Sechaba Afrika. Joe’s efforts were instrumental in increasing annual turnover from R130 million to nearly R500 million over five years and reaching satisfactory profit margins. Cyril Ramaphosa, now President of South Africa, collaborated on this project.
While serving Royal Foods Services, they pursued an MBA from Wits University over two years and passed all courses but had to forgo the final paper due to a career transition.
In December 2004, Butterfield Bakery enticed Joe with an Operational Director role that included equity participation. Despite initial financial losses and challenging circumstances, his leadership led to a company turnaround. The goal was set by the primary shareholder to sell the company within three years at a value correlating with three to four years of pre-tax profits. This objective was met when Butterfield Bakery sold for more than triple its PBT after three years. After taking a two-month hiatus, Joe resumed his career at Fruit & Veg City in March 2008, taking on the role of Director for the FreshStop Brand, which initially included 14 stores. Since then, the brand has expanded to 330 franchised stores. The key goal was to develop and scale a robust business model designed to grow within the range of 300 to 400 stores throughout Southern Africa.
During Joe’s tenure with organisations such as Hyperama, King Pie, Royal Foods Services, and Butterfield, they actively participated in numerous professional development programs covering Marketing, Advertising, Sales, Project Management, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Financial Management.
Joe has cultivated considerable networking connections and gained deep insights into his field by serving in various capacities across industry forums. His roles have included Council Member of the Franchise Association of South Africa, Vice President of the National Association of Catering Executives, Board Member of the Chamber of Baking in South Africa, and Treasurer of the Craft Bakers Association of South Africa. Additionally, he was appointed as a Board Member on the NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) International Board.