Yesway has hired Robert Drake as vice president of facilities, the convenience retailer announced on Monday. He’ll lead facilities maintenance and repair operations for Yesway's network of over 400 convenience stores across the South and Southwest. 

In his role, Drake will aim to “elevate operational uptime, regulatory compliance and in-store experience for customers and team members alike,” Yesway said in its announcement. Additionally, the company said Drake will “play a central role in executing Yesway's strategy to enhance accountability, improve cost control, and streamline processes for both in-house and third-party maintenance activities.”

He’ll report to Thomas Brown, Yesway’s chief real estate officer.

"Robbie brings a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical expertise to our organization," Brown said in the announcement. "His track record leading large, complex maintenance programs — while improving cost discipline and equipment reliability — will accelerate our efforts to deliver safe, well-maintained stores that delight customers and support our field teams."

Drake joins Yesway from Murphy USA, where he spent 10 years and was most recently director of strategic maintenance and facilities, according to his LinkedIn bio. In that role, Drake led a team of more than 30 people responsible for maintaining Murphy’s 1,700-plus gas stations and convenience stores.

Prior to Murphy, Drake held leadership positions with since-defunct Kangaroo Express operator The Pantry, SureTemp Mechanical and Trane Commercial Systems, where he built programs that reduced maintenance costs, optimized vendor partnerships, standardized preventive maintenance procedures, and strengthened technician training and performance tracking.

"I'm thrilled to join Yesway at such a dynamic moment in the company's growth," Drake said. "I look forward to partnering across the organization to enhance our preventive maintenance programs, streamline workflows, and ensure every store operates safely, reliably, and cost-effectively for our customers and team members.”