John A. Zikias, Vice President of Marketing for Thorntons Inc has more than 25 years of experience in retail management. John recently joined Thorntons Inc. based in Louisville, KY and manages the marketing function for 160 stores in six states. John is responsible for develop short term and long term strategies to ensure continued sales and profit growth. In addition, john is responsible for advertising and brand management, category management, customer service, price book, car wash, bakery operations and supply chain departments.

John began his convenience store career with 7-Eleven in Houston, TX. At 7-Eleven, he held various positions, including Director of Core Products and Manager of Beverage Marketing. John joined Circle K in 1992 as Director of Beverage Marketing. He held several marketing positions within Circle K and Tosco Marketing Company, including Director of Market Development and Vice President of C-Store Marketing. During the purchase of Tosco by Philips Petroleum, John left to join BP Products North America as Team Leader Category Management, responsible for developing and implementing category management principles to drive profitable revenue growth. In 2002 John Left BP and began consulting with Impact 21 Group in Lexington Kentucky and srcg in London England. John managed several key projects with convenience retailers in the US, UK, Europe, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China to develop and implement category management, marketing and supply chain programs. In 2006, John became COO of Impact 21 Group responsible for project management, client development, and category management initiatives. John has been an active member of the National Association of Convenience Stores serving on the NACS metrics committee, as a technical advisor to the NACS R&D board committee, a member of the NACSPAC committee and chairman of the Midwest NACSPAC golf outing from 2003 through 2005. Most recently John was a member of the NACS membership committee reporting to the NACS supplier board of directors. John has been a frequent speaking at the NACS State of The Industry Conference, the annual NACS Show and NACStech convention. John resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife Nancy and sons, Justin and Travis.