Grocery Vet Rises to Dollar Tree President/COO

Discount variety store chain Dollar Tree Inc. has promoted Gary Philbin to the position of president and COO. He was previously COO.

“As chief operating officer, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership and superb business judgment, and he has been a major contributor to our growth and success,” noted Bob Sasser, the company’s CEO. “Among his many notable achievements are the improvement of Dollar Tree customer satisfaction and shopping experience, and the integration of our Canadian stores.”

After 30 years in the retail grocery industry, where he held senior-level roles in both merchandising and operations, Philbin joined Dollar Tree as SVP of stores in December 2001, rising to COO in March 2007.

“We have a concept that customers love, a vision of where we want to go, and the people, infrastructure, and capital to take us there,” added Sasser. “Gary will provide experienced leadership as we continue with the profitable expansion of our business.”

Dollar Tree operates 4,763 stores in 48 states and five Canadian provinces.