Refuel Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Refuel has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, technology, and strategic operations.

Focused on expanding retail and wholesale fuel distribution, Refuel delivers essential convenience store services across North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence and customer accessibility.

Leadership Roles at Refuel

  • Chief Executive Officer - Tk Patel
  • Chief Financial Officer - Derek Leskovic
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Tim Rupp
  • Chief Technology Officer - Justin Mitchell
  • 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 North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between regional market demands and long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of the competitive landscape to maintain market share within the fuel sector. By optimizing the supply chain and retail footprint, Tk Patel drives the company toward sustained profitability and operational efficiency. The Chief Executive Officer collaborates with the Board to refine the business model, ensuring that every store location meets high standards of service. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and asset management, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization while fostering a culture of performance and accountability across all regional divisions.

    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, reporting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains liquidity to support expansion across North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize fuel procurement costs and retail margins. By implementing robust financial controls, Derek Leskovic provides the necessary data for strategic decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with department heads to align budgetary resources with operational goals, ensuring that every investment contributes to the bottom line. Through meticulous oversight of cash flow and debt management, the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the balance sheet, enabling the organization to pursue growth opportunities while mitigating potential economic volatility within the competitive convenience store industry.

    Tim Rupp - Chief Marketing Officer

    Tim Rupp, the Chief Marketing Officer at Refuel, architects the brand identity and customer engagement strategies for the convenience store and fuel distribution network. Overseeing regional marketing campaigns across North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas, the Chief Marketing Officer drives foot traffic and loyalty program participation. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor product offerings and promotional activities within the retail environment. By leveraging data-driven insights, Tim Rupp enhances the overall customer experience, ensuring that the brand remains a preferred choice for fuel and convenience items. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with operations teams to synchronize marketing initiatives with store-level performance metrics. Through the development of innovative digital and in-store marketing channels, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the company's market reach, effectively communicating the value proposition to diverse customer segments while maintaining consistent brand messaging across all operational territories.
    Tim Rupp

    Justin Mitchell - Chief Technology Officer

    Justin Mitchell, the Chief Technology Officer at Refuel, directs the digital infrastructure and technological innovation for the retail and wholesale fuel distribution business. Overseeing the integration of point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and data analytics platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless operations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership role involves modernizing the technical stack to improve transaction speed and operational transparency within the convenience stores. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, Justin Mitchell supports the company's growth and data security requirements. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executives to align technology investments with business objectives, ensuring that digital tools provide a competitive advantage in the fuel retail market. Through the continuous optimization of internal systems, the Chief Technology Officer drives efficiency, enabling the organization to respond rapidly to changing market conditions and customer needs while maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols.
    Justin Mitchell

    Laura Patin - Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Laura Patin, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Refuel, manages high-priority initiatives and facilitates cross-functional alignment across the retail and wholesale fuel distribution organization. Overseeing the execution of complex projects, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that operational goals are met throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This leadership role involves streamlining communication between the executive team and department heads to accelerate decision-making processes. By coordinating strategic planning sessions, Laura Patin enables the organization to focus on key growth drivers and efficiency improvements. The Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff monitors project timelines and resource allocation, ensuring that all strategic efforts remain on track and within budget. Through the management of critical business workflows, the Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff enhances organizational agility, allowing the company to adapt quickly to new opportunities and challenges within the competitive convenience store landscape.

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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 Derek Leskovic (Chief Financial Officer) and Tim Rupp (Chief Marketing Officer).
    Who is part of Refuel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Refuel includes leaders such as Tk Patel (Chief Executive Officer), Derek Leskovic (Chief Financial Officer), Tim Rupp (Chief Marketing Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Refuel have?
    Refuel has 5 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 Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff.