Bringing over 30 years of finance experience from working with private and public companies, Gast joins the company from Fleet Farm Group, LLC, as executive vice president and chief financial officer since 2020. Before that position, Gast held executive leadership roles at other major retailers and customer-facing brands, including as senior vice president, Finance & Chief Accounting officer at Great Wolf Resorts and as vice president, Finance, Controller and Treasurer positions at Pilot Travel Centers, Family Dollar and Ace Hardware.
Mark J. Worden, company president and chief executive officer, said, “We’re excited to welcome Erik to our leadership team. His distinguished career in finance and accounting, along with his experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and his deep knowledge of the retail industry, will play a key role in our strategic growth initiatives as we seek to become a multi-billion-dollar retailer.”
Jackson will continue to serve as the company’s senior executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer and treasurer until April 24 and will remain with the company as its chief administrative officer until retirement on May 9 to assist with the transition.
