Debi Boffa steps up as CEO of TravelCenters of America
TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA), headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, U.S.A., has officially announced Debi Boffa as its new CEO, effective from September 1, 2023. Boffa succeeds Jonathan Pertchik, who steered TA since 2019 and played a pivotal role in its acquisition by bp in May. Pertchik’s leadership was instrumental in aligning TA with the future prospects of alternative fuels.
With over a quarter-century of experience at bp, Boffa is no stranger to the intricacies of the energy and retail sectors. Her diverse background spans engineering, retail, sales, marketing, and operations. Prior to her appointment as CEO, Boffa held significant roles, including the presidency of bp’s Retail Operating Organization and Thorntons LLC. In these capacities, she orchestrated the integration of bp’s am/pm business with Thorntons and managed operations for over 1,200 convenience stores across the nation.
Greg Franks, senior vice president of mobility & convenience Americas at bp, lauded Boffa’s expertise. “Debi’s vast experience in retail convenience, coupled with her knack for business integration and growth, makes her an invaluable asset,” he said. Franks emphasised TA’s expansive network, which caters to both professional drivers and everyday travelers. He believes this network is pivotal as the energy landscape shifts towards electric vehicles, biofuels and hydrogen.
Post-acquisition, TA continues to operate more than 280 travel centers under its signature brands: TA, Petro, and TA Express. This acquisition aligns with bp’s transition growth engines, encompassing electric vehicle charging, biofuels, hydrogen, and convenience.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Boffa said, “Joining the bp family of brands marks a new chapter for TA. Our focus remains on serving our guests with top-notch services while adapting to their evolving needs, especially in the realm of decarbonisation.”
TravelCenters of America, a part of the bp portfolio, stands as a comprehensive travel center network. Established in 1972, TA’s dedicated team of nearly 19,000 members serves guests across 44 states through more than 285 locations.
