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Event Details

Wednesday, March 22 2023

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Each semester the Edward J. and Louise E. Mellen Executive Speaker Series brings students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader business community the opportunity to meet and interact with executive officers and learn about the strategic focus of their firms and the challenges they face. This year the speaker series welcomes, Jonathan M. Pertchik, Chief Executive Officer, TravelCenters of America to be the presenter, with a reception to follow his lecture.

This event is free and open to the public and includes a reception to follow.

Jon Pertchik is the Chief Executive Officer and a Managing Director of TravelCenters of America Inc. (Nasdaq: TA). A seasoned turnaround executive, Pertchik is leading a company-wide transformation plan at TA, positioning the 50-year-old company for renewed growth and success by driving operational efficiencies and innovation. Recently, Pertchik created and launched a new business unit, eTA, which is focused on providing sustainable fueling options for professional drivers and motorists, while leveraging alternative energy to support TA’s operations. Pertchik’s leadership has increased TA’s profitability and improved its competitive position. Today, TA is driving growth, expanding margins and investing in the customer, with data-driven approaches informing its merchandising, pricing and marketing strategies. TA has made incredible progress under Pertchik’s leadership, as evidenced by improved financial performance. Before joining TA, Pertchik served as CEO of Intown Suites, one of the largest wholly owned, extended stay hotel chains in the United States. Prior to that, he served as CEO of ST Residential, a joint venture with the FDIC, and he previously served in executive roles for companies owned or controlled by private equity groups, including Starwood Capital Group, TPG, Carl Icahn, Richard LeFrak and Perry Capital. He holds a B.A. from Rutgers University, a J.D. from the District of Columbia School of Law, and an L.L.M. in International Finance Law from the Georgetown University Law Center.