OXXO Gas parent firm has new CEO

Fomento Económico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. (FEMSA), operator of Oxxo Gas chain of retail fuel stations and the world’s largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products, has appointed Eduardo Padilla Silva as its new CEO.

Eduardo, currently FEMSA’s Chief Financial and Corporate Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2018, following the retirement of incumbent CEO Carlos Salazar Lomelín.

Eduardo has held top positions at FEMSA including as Chief Executive Officer of FEMSA Comercio for 16 years. Under his leadership, OXXO became the leading convenience store in Mexico, and FEMSA ventured into drugstores and gasoline stations.

Carlos, who has led the company into becoming one of the world’s largest beverage and retail giants, will remain on the Board of Directors and as an Advisor to the Chairman of the Board.

FEMSA’s new Chief Financial and Corporate Officer will be named in due course.