Circle K, the global convenience store giant operating under parent company Alimentation Couche-Tard, was led by Brian Hannasch as President and CEO from September 2014 to September 2024. During his decade at the helm, Hannasch grew Couche-Tard from approximately 6,000 stores to nearly 17,000 locations across 29 countries, was named Globe and Mail CEO of the Year in 2016, and led the global rebranding to the Circle K banner. His successor, Alex Miller, became only the third CEO in the company’s 45-year history.

Brian Hannasch — Quick Facts

Career Highlights

• Decade-Long CEO: Led Alimentation Couche-Tard as President and CEO for 10 years (2014–2024), growing the network from ~6,000 to nearly 17,000 stores
• Global Expansion: Oversaw major acquisitions including Statoil Fuel & Retail, CST Brands, and Holiday Stationstores, expanding operations to 29 countries
• Circle K Rebranding: Spearheaded the global rebranding of all convenience stores under the unified Circle K banner
• CEO of the Year: Named Globe and Mail CEO of the Year in 2016 and Convenience Store News Retailer Executive of the Year in 2019
• BP Amoco Career: Spent 11 years at BP Amoco (1989–2000), rising to Vice President of Marketing before joining Couche-Tard
• Revenue Growth: Under his leadership, Couche-Tard’s annual revenue grew to over $72 billion

Brian Hannasch — Career & Education

Brian Hannasch earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He began his career at BP Amoco in 1989, where he spent 11 years rising through operational and marketing roles, eventually becoming Vice President of Marketing.

Hannasch joined Alimentation Couche-Tard in 2001 and held increasingly senior roles including Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations and Chief Operating Officer. He was named President and CEO in September 2014, becoming only the second person to hold that title after co-founder Alain Bouchard.

Brian Hannasch Career Timeline

Education

Brian Hannasch Net Worth 2026 — Circle K CEO Salary

As of 2026, Brian Hannasch’s net worth is estimated at over $100 million. During his tenure as CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard, Hannasch realized approximately $132 million from stock option exercises alone. His final-year total compensation as CEO was approximately $18 million.

Brian Hannasch Compensation Breakdown (Final Year as CEO)

New CEO Alex Miller Compensation

Alex Miller, Hannasch’s successor, earned approximately CA$9.3 million (~$6.8 million USD) in his first year as CEO (fiscal 2025). His total yearly compensation comprises 15.1% base salary and 84.9% bonuses including stock options and share units. Miller directly owns approximately 0.005% of the company’s shares, worth about CA$3.07 million.

New Circle K CEO — Alex Miller

Alex Miller became the third CEO in Alimentation Couche-Tard’s 45-year history on September 6, 2024. He brings over 25 years of management experience in the retail fuel and convenience store industry.

Before joining Couche-Tard in 2012 as Director of Fuels, Real Estate and Facilities, Miller spent 16 years at BP Plc in a variety of operational, supply, business development, and strategy roles in the U.S. and Europe. He rose through the ranks at Couche-Tard, becoming Chief Operating Officer in January 2023 before being named President and CEO.

Miller holds a B.S. in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from the University of Chicago in Marketing and Strategy.

Circle K Competitors

Alimentation Couche-Tard (Circle K) competes in the global convenience store and fuel retail industry. Key competitors include:

• Seven & i Holdings (7-Eleven) — largest global convenience store operator
• Casey’s General Stores — major U.S. Midwest c-store chain
• Wawa — East Coast convenience and fuel retailer
• Sheetz — Mid-Atlantic convenience chain
• Kwik Trip — Midwest convenience leader
• Pilot Flying J — travel center and truck stop giant
• EG Group — European and global fuel retail competitor
• Shell / BP Retail — major oil company c-store networks

About Alimentation Couche-Tard (Circle K)

Alimentation Couche-Tard is a Canadian multinational and one of the world’s largest convenience store and fuel retail operators. Founded in 1980 in Laval, Quebec by Alain Bouchard, the company operates primarily under the Circle K brand worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the current CEO of Circle K?

Alex Miller is the current President and CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard (Circle K), effective September 6, 2024. He succeeded Brian Hannasch, who retired after 10 years in the role. Miller is only the third CEO in the company’s 45-year history.

Why did Brian Hannasch leave as Circle K CEO?

Brian Hannasch retired voluntarily after a decade as CEO in September 2024. He transitioned to a Special Advisor role, and COO Alex Miller was appointed as his successor in a planned leadership transition.

What is Brian Hannasch’s net worth?

Brian Hannasch’s net worth is estimated at over $100 million as of 2026. During his tenure as Couche-Tard CEO, he realized approximately $132 million from stock option exercises alone, in addition to annual compensation packages of approximately $18 million per year.

What is Circle K CEO Alex Miller’s salary?

Alex Miller earned approximately CA$9.3 million (~$6.8 million USD) in his first year as CEO of Couche-Tard. His base salary is just over $1 million, with the remainder coming from stock options, share units, and performance bonuses.

How many Circle K stores are there?

Alimentation Couche-Tard operates close to 17,000 stores across 29 countries and territories, primarily under the Circle K brand. Approximately 13,000 of those locations offer road transportation fuel.

Did Couche-Tard buy 7-Eleven?

No. Couche-Tard pursued a $47 billion acquisition of Seven & i Holdings (parent of 7-Eleven) but withdrew the proposal in July 2025, citing a lack of engagement from the Japanese company. Seven & i stated that Couche-Tard did not adequately address antitrust concerns.

Article last updated: February 2026