Refuel Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Refuel has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology, marketing, and strategic operations.

Focused on expanding retail and wholesale fuel distribution across the Southeast, Refuel delivers essential convenience store services while maintaining a robust operational footprint throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

Leadership Roles at Refuel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tk Patel
  • Chief Executive Officer of Refuel - Ricky Luntz
  • Chief Financial Officer - Derek Leskovic
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Julijana Henry
  • Chief Technology Officer - Justin Mitchell
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Tim Rupp
  • Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff - Laura Patin
  • Tk Patel - Chief Executive Officer

    Tk Patel, the Chief Executive Officer at Refuel, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the retail and wholesale fuel distribution network. Overseeing the expansion of convenience store operations across the Southeast, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regional market demands and long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves managing complex supply chain logistics and optimizing the retail footprint in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. By fostering partnerships with wholesale fuel suppliers, Tk Patel strengthens the competitive position of the organization within the convenience store sector. The Chief Executive Officer maintains constant communication with the Board to refine capital allocation strategies. Through rigorous oversight of daily business activities, the Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency across all regional markets. Ultimately, Patel secures the financial health and operational excellence of the entire enterprise while navigating the evolving landscape of the fuel distribution industry.

    Ricky Luntz - Chief Executive Officer of Refuel

    Ricky Luntz, the Chief Executive Officer of Refuel at Refuel, architects the high-level vision for the company's retail convenience store portfolio. Focusing on the integration of wholesale fuel distribution with consumer-facing retail experiences, the Chief Executive Officer of Refuel drives brand consistency across the multi-state operational territory. This role involves evaluating market trends in North Carolina and surrounding states to identify new acquisition opportunities. By coordinating with regional managers, Ricky Luntz ensures that every store location meets strict performance benchmarks and service standards. The Chief Executive Officer of Refuel manages the organizational culture to support rapid scaling and operational agility. Through the implementation of standardized retail processes, the Chief Executive Officer of Refuel optimizes store-level profitability. Luntz consistently evaluates the competitive landscape to maintain market relevance, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the regional fuel and convenience store sector.
    Ricky Luntz

    Derek Leskovic - Chief Financial Officer

    Derek Leskovic, the Chief Financial Officer at Refuel, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. Overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and treasury functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains liquidity to support regional expansion across the Southeast. This leadership role involves analyzing fuel price volatility and retail margins to protect the bottom line. By implementing robust financial controls, Derek Leskovic provides the executive team with accurate data for strategic decision-making. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with external auditors and financial institutions to secure funding for new store acquisitions and infrastructure upgrades. Through meticulous risk management, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates exposure to market fluctuations in the fuel sector. Leskovic drives long-term value creation by optimizing the balance sheet and ensuring that all financial operations support the broader mission of providing reliable fuel and convenience services to customers.

    Julijana Henry - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Julijana Henry, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Refuel, directs the financial reporting and accounting operations for the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. Overseeing the internal audit process and tax compliance, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures the integrity of all financial data across the multi-state footprint. This role involves managing cash flow and working capital to support the daily requirements of the convenience store operations. By providing detailed financial analysis, Julijana Henry assists the executive team in evaluating the profitability of specific store locations and fuel distribution routes. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with regional managers to monitor expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities. Through the implementation of rigorous financial standards, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer strengthens the company's fiscal discipline. Henry drives sustainable growth by ensuring that all financial activities align with the long-term strategic objectives of the organization.

    Justin Mitchell - Chief Technology Officer

    Justin Mitchell, the Chief Technology Officer at Refuel, directs the digital transformation of the retail and wholesale fuel distribution infrastructure. Overseeing the implementation of point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and data analytics platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless operations across all convenience store locations. This role involves architecting secure network solutions to protect customer data and streamline transaction processing. By integrating advanced technology into the supply chain, Justin Mitchell improves operational efficiency and reduces downtime for fuel delivery services. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align technical capabilities with the company's growth strategy in North Carolina and beyond. Through the deployment of innovative digital tools, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the overall customer experience at the pump and inside the store. Mitchell drives continuous improvement by evaluating emerging technologies that offer competitive advantages in the retail convenience industry.
    Justin Mitchell

    Tim Rupp - Chief Marketing Officer

    Tim Rupp, the Chief Marketing Officer at Refuel, architects the brand identity and customer engagement strategies for the retail convenience store network. Overseeing regional advertising campaigns, loyalty programs, and in-store promotions, the Chief Marketing Officer drives foot traffic and increases average transaction values across the Southeast. This role involves analyzing consumer behavior data to tailor product offerings to the specific needs of local markets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. By managing the public image of the company, Tim Rupp ensures that the brand remains synonymous with convenience and quality fuel service. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with the operations team to execute seasonal marketing initiatives that boost sales volume. Through the development of targeted digital and physical marketing channels, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the company's retail footprint. Rupp secures market share by consistently delivering compelling value propositions to the diverse customer base.
    Tim Rupp

    Laura Patin - Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Laura Patin, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Refuel, coordinates high-priority initiatives that support the company's retail and wholesale fuel distribution objectives. Overseeing cross-functional projects, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that executive directives are executed efficiently across all departments. This role involves facilitating communication between the C-suite and operational teams to maintain alignment on corporate goals. By managing the project pipeline, Laura Patin identifies bottlenecks and implements solutions to accelerate the expansion of the convenience store network. The Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff provides analytical support for major business decisions, including new market entry and operational restructuring. Through the oversight of internal processes, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff improves organizational productivity and ensures that resources are allocated effectively. Patin drives the successful completion of strategic milestones that define the company's growth trajectory in the competitive fuel retail sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Refuel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Refuel?
    Refuel is led by Tk Patel (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ricky Luntz (Chief Executive Officer of Refuel) and Derek Leskovic (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Refuel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Refuel includes leaders such as Tk Patel (Chief Executive Officer), Ricky Luntz (Chief Executive Officer of Refuel), Derek Leskovic (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Refuel have?
    Refuel has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Refuel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Refuel includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Refuel, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer.