EG Group, a convenience store group with more than 5,000 locations across North America and Europe, has appointed a new chairman.

Roland Smith, a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience, took over the reins from Lord Stuart Rose today following the latter’s five-year tenure at the firm.

The change in board leadership comes as EG Group gears up for plans to go public on the New York Stock Exchange. The move could help the firm raise $9 billion in stock.

Smith joins the helm of the EG Group board alongside existing roles as chairman of American fast-food chain Jack’s Family Restaurants and director of café franchise chain Tropical Smoothie Café.

Previously, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of office supplies retailer Depot OfficeMax between 2013 and 2017.

He’s also held top leadership positions at Wendy’s International, Arby’s Restaurant Group, American Golf Corporation, AMF Bowling Worldwide, 24 Hours Fitness Inc, Carmike Cinemas Inc and Dunkin’ Brands Inc.

In a statement, Smith said: “EG Group is an outstanding business with promising growth prospects, and I am delighted to join its Board as Chairman. I look forward to working with the Board, Russ and the wider management team on the company’s strategic vision and to further develop EG Group’s leading positions in its core markets in the United States and Europe.”

While long-time chairman Stuart Rose has given up his seat as head of the EG Group board to Smith, he’s not parting ways with the organisation entirely. He’ll continue to counsel the company in the capacity of a non-executive director.

As EG Group’s chairman, Rose helped orchestrate Asda’s 2023 acquisition of EG UK and a December 2025 deal that saw five Italian companies purchase the company’s Italian arm. The firm has been focusing its efforts on growth markets and balancing its books.

Additionally, Rose has led efforts to transform EG Group’s corporate governance stance with new frameworks and systems.

The group’s chief executive, Russ Colaco, thanked Rose for his support over the years in a statement. He credited Rose with “putting in place the governance structures and strategic foundations for future success at EG Group."

He added: “We have all benefited from Stuart’s wisdom and counsel and look forward to that continuing in the future.”

---