Brian Donaldson, chief executive of The Maxol Group, has won the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Industry Leader of the Year award 2024, recognising his achievements in turning a fuel focused forecourt operator into a convenience led brand.
During his 38 years at the family-owned business, Donaldson has been credited with developing an extensive retail network, maximising non-fuel income, and developing food partner alliances with Mace/Spar.
He has also been a driving force for the development of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the island of Ireland. He currently sits on the CBI NI council, and recently became chair of the CBI NI’s Electric Vehicle Working Group.
Having joined Maxol Oil as a graduate trainee, Donaldson quickly progressed through the ranks of the business, which was established by William McMullan in 1920. It has become the largest family-owned convenience forecourt retailer in Ireland, with 242 branded service stations.
NACS president and chief executive Henry Armour, said: ”Brian has done an amazing job of transforming the company from one that is fuel based to one that is food based. As the industry continues to move along this path, this is a model to both study and celebrate.”
Donaldson says that he is honoured to have received this plaudit from his peers. ”This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Maxol team and support of the McMullan family,” he said. ”Over the past decade, our collective efforts have driven the success and innovation that define our company today. I am proud of what we have achieved, and this award inspires us to continue our journey.”
