Executive promotions at Circle K Ireland

Circle K, Ireland’s largest forecourt and convenience retailer, has announced today two executive appointments to its senior leadership team. Gillian McGowran has been promoted to Market Development Director, with her predecessor Judy Glover taking up the role of Head of European Merchandising with Circle K in Europe.

In her new role, Gillian will have responsibility for the marketing strategy at Circle K Ireland as well as category and supply chain management.

Gillian has been with the company for 12 years, having previously served as Senior Manager Franchise Channel, and before that as Head of Marketing. She started her career in retail with Boots Ireland, where she worked for over 13 years.

Judy recently started a new position as Head of European Merchandising with Circle K in Europe. She will be responsible for eight markets across Europe and will continue to work closely with the senior leadership team at Circle K Ireland to offer the best customer service and operational excellence.

Judy has been working with Circle K since 2009 and has grown with the company across a number of roles including Senior Category Manager, Head of Category Management and Senior Market Development Director. Judy was instrumental to the successful rebrand from Topaz to Circle K. Before that, she worked for Tesco Ireland for over five years.

Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director at Circle K Ireland commented: “At Circle K, investing in our people is a key priority to us and I am delighted to announce these two greatly deserved promotions.

Gillian and Judy are both longstanding members of the Circle K team here in Ireland and I look forward to seeing them progress in their new roles, helping their colleagues thrive and making sure we are delivering excellent service for our customers in Ireland and globally. Promoting female leaders within the business is a key priority for us, in Ireland our leadership roles are currently 50/50 up to BU Leader, and we want to continue this into the future.”

I truly believe our colleagues are integral to our success and our goal is to create an environment where they can grow personally and professionally. Many of our colleagues have started their careers as sales assistants in our stores and are now working in roles within our Category Management, Fuels and Commercial teams. We also offer them opportunities within the wider Circle K network and there are several examples of colleagues who started in the Irish business and are now working with Circle K at a European and global level.”

Gillian has an Honours Degree in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland and a Professional Diploma, Management and Leadership from UCD Professional Academy.

Judy holds a Diploma in Purchasing and Materials Management, as well as an Honours Degree in Industrial Purchasing Management from the Carlow institute of Technology.