GATE Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

GATE has 7 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, retail operations, and carwash services.

Focused on delivering high-quality convenience and fueling solutions, GATE maintains a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction across all retail locations while driving growth in the competitive convenience store sector.

Leadership Roles at GATE

  • Chief Executive Officer - Mitchell Rhodes
  • Principal Chief Executive Officer - Sung Jung
  • Chief Financial Officer - Lucas Hildebrand
  • President - R. Hoover
  • President of GATE Express Carwash - Hill Peyton
  • President - Joseph Luke
  • President - John Peyton
  • Mitchell Rhodes - Chief Executive Officer

    Mitchell Rhodes, the Chief Executive Officer at GATE, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the entire convenience store network. Rhodes oversees the expansion of fueling operations and ensures that the retail footprint remains competitive within the southeastern United States market. By aligning internal resources with long-term growth objectives, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for service delivery and operational efficiency. Mitchell Rhodes monitors market trends to optimize the product mix within stores, ensuring that food and drink offerings meet evolving consumer demands. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the company mission and secure sustainable profitability. Through rigorous oversight of daily business activities, the Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward achieving its primary goals of market leadership and customer loyalty, ultimately strengthening the brand presence across all regional operations.

    Sung Jung - Principal Chief Executive Officer

    Sung Jung, the Principal Chief Executive Officer at GATE, architects the high-level organizational structure and long-term vision for the company. Jung focuses on the integration of advanced retail technologies to enhance the customer experience at fueling stations. Overseeing the strategic alignment of various business units, the Principal Chief Executive Officer ensures that internal processes support the broader mission of providing efficient, high-quality convenience services. Sung Jung manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives initiatives that improve operational throughput across the entire retail portfolio. By analyzing performance metrics, the Principal Chief Executive Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and capital allocation. This leadership role requires deep engagement with market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge in the retail sector. Through consistent focus on innovation and operational excellence, Jung secures the company's position as a premier provider of fuel and convenience goods.

    Lucas Hildebrand - Chief Financial Officer

    Lucas Hildebrand, the Chief Financial Officer at GATE, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Hildebrand oversees all financial reporting, budgeting, and investment strategies related to the expansion of convenience store locations. By directing the financial planning process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support the company's growth in the retail sector. Lucas Hildebrand monitors cash flow and profitability metrics to provide actionable insights for the executive team. This leadership role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates risk and supports the long-term sustainability of the business. Hildebrand drives the financial strategy that enables the company to invest in new fueling technologies and store upgrades, ultimately maximizing value for the organization.
    Lucas Hildebrand

    R. Hoover - President

    R. Hoover, the President at GATE, directs the daily operational execution of the convenience store and fueling business. Hoover oversees the management of regional store clusters, ensuring that each location adheres to the company's high standards for service and cleanliness. By coordinating with department heads, the President ensures that food and drink inventory levels remain optimized to meet local consumer demand. R. Hoover drives initiatives to improve store-level efficiency and customer throughput, which directly impacts the company's bottom line. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence among store managers and frontline staff. Through the implementation of standardized operating procedures, the President maintains consistency across the entire retail network. Hoover monitors operational performance data to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the company remains a preferred destination for fuel and convenience items in all served markets.

    Hill Peyton - President of GATE Express Carwash

    Hill Peyton, the President of GATE Express Carwash at GATE, leads the strategic development and operational management of the carwash division. Peyton oversees the deployment of advanced washing technology and ensures that all facilities provide a premium experience for customers. By directing the expansion of the carwash footprint, the President of GATE Express Carwash integrates these services into the existing retail and fueling ecosystem. Hill Peyton manages the maintenance schedules and staffing requirements to ensure maximum uptime and service quality. This leadership role involves analyzing market demand for vehicle care services and adjusting pricing strategies to maintain competitiveness. Through the optimization of operational workflows, the President of GATE Express Carwash drives revenue growth and enhances the overall value proposition for the company's customer base. Peyton ensures that the carwash division remains a key contributor to the company's diversified retail portfolio.

    Joseph Luke - President

    Joseph Luke, the President at GATE, manages the strategic partnerships and supply chain logistics essential for the company's retail operations. Luke oversees the procurement of fuel and retail merchandise, ensuring that all stores maintain adequate inventory levels to satisfy customer needs. By directing the logistics network, the President ensures that the supply chain remains resilient and cost-effective. Joseph Luke collaborates with other executives to align procurement strategies with the company's broader growth objectives. This leadership role involves negotiating contracts with key vendors and monitoring market price fluctuations to protect profit margins. Through the optimization of distribution channels, the President improves the efficiency of the entire retail operation. Luke focuses on building strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the consistent availability of high-quality products, which is critical to maintaining the company's reputation for reliability and convenience in the retail market.

    John Peyton - President

    John Peyton, the President at GATE, leads the corporate development and real estate strategy for the company's retail expansion. Peyton oversees the identification and acquisition of new sites for convenience stores and fueling stations. By directing the development pipeline, the President ensures that the company's physical footprint grows in alignment with market opportunities. John Peyton manages the design and construction phases of new projects, ensuring that all facilities meet the company's standards for modern retail environments. This leadership role involves coordinating with local authorities and stakeholders to facilitate smooth project execution. Through the strategic management of real estate assets, the President drives the long-term growth and market penetration of the brand. Peyton monitors demographic shifts and traffic patterns to inform site selection, ensuring that every new location contributes positively to the company's overall retail and fueling business objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding GATE Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads GATE?
    GATE is led by Mitchell Rhodes (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sung Jung (Principal Chief Executive Officer) and Lucas Hildebrand (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of GATE’s executive team?
    The executive team of GATE includes leaders such as Mitchell Rhodes (Chief Executive Officer), Sung Jung (Principal Chief Executive Officer), Lucas Hildebrand (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does GATE have?
    GATE has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in GATE’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of GATE includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Principal Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President of GATE Express Carwash.