Mauricio Leyva Takes the Helm at 7-Eleven to Drive New Growth and Innovation
Introduction
On July 23, 2026, Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. made a significant announcement regarding the leadership of its North American convenience store arm, 7-Eleven, Inc. The company has appointed Mauricio Leyva as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2026. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation of the 7-Eleven brand.
The Vision for 7-Eleven
Mauricio Leyva is stepping into his new role with a clear vision to reshape the customer experience at 7-Eleven. With a robust background in the consumer products sector, he is expected to drive forward the company’s goals of enhancing service quality, optimizing store operations, and fostering sustainable, profitable growth.
Leyva's approach will include working closely with SEI's existing leadership team and franchise owners, ensuring that the operational changes align with customer needs and preferences. He aims to propel the brand into a new phase, one that builds upon the 7-Eleven legacy while introducing innovations that meet modern consumer expectations.
A Proven Track Record
Mauricio Leyva's experience spans more than two decades, during which he has taken on various leadership roles at prominent consumer brands. Before his appointment at 7-Eleven, he was the Group President at Keurig Dr Pepper from 2020 to 2024. Here, he was instrumental in overseeing a successful merger integration that not only fortified the company's operating base but also laid out a new strategic direction. Under his leadership, Dr Pepper became the second-largest carbonated soft drink brand in America—a remarkable achievement that showcases his capability to lead large-scale transformations.
Leyva’s career also encompasses key roles at Lala Mexico, AB InBev, and SABMiller, where he successfully navigated the dynamics of high-stakes international markets. His global perspective, honed through leadership positions in regions such as Latin America, Europe, and Africa, will be invaluable as he guides 7-Eleven’s strategic initiatives.
Commitment to Customer Experience
At the heart of Leyva's mission will be a commitment to customer experience, rooted in the upcoming celebration of 7-Eleven’s centenary. As the brand prepares for its 100th anniversary next year, Leyva plans to focus on enhancing service delivery and store presentation, ensuring that each customer interaction reflects the values of convenience and quality that 7-Eleven represents.
“Mauricio brings a wealth of executive leadership experience at global consumer goods companies and a proven track record of leading business transformations,” stated Steve Dacus, President and CEO of Seven & i Holdings. “We're thrilled to have him onboard to lead SEI into this next stage of growth.”
Looking Ahead
As 7-Eleven embarks on this transformative journey, Leyva sees the potential to redefine convenience in a way that resonates with today’s consumers. By harnessing innovation and operational excellence, he aims to maximize stakeholder value while ensuring the company adapts to changing market trends. Leyva’s enthusiasm for the brand and his strategic vision will be central to the successful evolution of 7-Eleven.
In summary, the appointment of Mauricio Leyva as CEO represents not just a change in leadership but a renewed commitment to transformational growth for one of North America’s most beloved convenience store chains. With his extensive experience and clear objectives, the future appears promising for 7-Eleven as it enters a new chapter in its storied history.