March 29, 2021
Pilot Company, the leading supplier of fuel and the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is increasing its focus on growing strategic partnerships and developing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of its guests and the transportation sector. Pilot Company has promoted James Chiu to senior director of strategy and execution, reporting to CEO Shameek Konar.
James Chiu
Pilot Company
“James has a great depth of expertise and experience in complex transactions, acquisitions, integration and managing strategic partnerships, especially within the energy sector,” Konar said. “His ability to analyze, connect and diversify our platforms in the transportation and energy sectors will help fuel Pilot Company’s growth and deliver value to our guest and customers.”
Bringing a strong background in investment and business development in the energy trading sector, Chiu joined Pilot Company in 2018, serving as senior director of crude logistics for Pilot Energy in Houston. Previous roles in origination, investments and mergers and acquisitions for Morgan Stanley & Co., Mercuria Energy Group and Castleton Commodities International took Chiu to multiple cities around the world, including New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Beijing and Geneva.
Chiu’s new role will leverage experience from these previous roles, such as the development of a strategic alliance between Pilot Company and Southern Tire Mart, which over the next three years will grow to approximately 200 points of service for commercial vehicle maintenance at Pilot Flying J travel centers across the United States. In addition, Chiu will utilize his expertise to support Pilot Company’s strategy in evolving fueling technologies, such as autonomous trucking and electric vehicles.
“Pilot Company is a sophisticated player that is succeeding in a complex ecosystem within the energy and logistics industries,” Chiu said. “The pressures of the past year have accelerated changes in the market, and our team is proactively addressing shifting logistics and consumption patterns. We are excited about what’s ahead and anticipate continued progress, transformation and growth for Pilot Company and the industry.”
As part of this change, Chiu and his wife, Chris, relocated to Knoxville, where the company is based. They are enjoying the many outdoor activities the region has to offer and look forward to establishing roots in Knoxville, which is home to “some of the most friendly, open and supportive people we’ve ever met,” Chiu said.
To learn more about Pilot Company and its family of brands, visit https://www.pilotcompany.com/.
About Pilot Company
Pilot Company keeps North America’s drivers moving as one of the leading suppliers of fuel and the largest operator of travel centers. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Company has grown its network to more than 1,000 retail and fueling locations and as the third largest tanker fleet in North America, supplies more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year to the market. Its energy division also supplies DEF, bio and renewables and provides hauling and disposal services. Through the company’s vast network of fueling locations, Pilot Company serves 1.5 million guests per day and provides over 30,000 direct fleet customers with bundled solutions for fuel, credit, factoring, services and rewards. Its Pilot Flying J Travel Center network includes over 750 locations in 44 states and five Canadian provinces with more than 680 restaurants, 74,000 truck parking spaces, 5,300 deluxe showers, 6,200 diesel lanes and offers truck maintenance and tire service through Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. The One9 Fuel Network connects a variety of fuel stops to provide value, convenience and perks to fleets and professional drivers at more than 240 locations across the United States. More information on locations and rewards are available in the Pilot Flying J app.
Pilot Company is currently ranked No. 10 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies. For additional information about Pilot Company, its 28,000 team members and commitment to giving back, visit www.pilotcompany.com.
