Love’s names Les Thompson new head of Human Resources

Thompson tapped to be first CHRO

Headshot of Les ThompsonOKLAHOMA CITY, June 16, 2022 Love’s Travel Stops announced Thursday that it has hired Les Thompson as the company’s first chief human resources officer and vice president of human resources, beginning June 8th. Thompson comes from ProMedica, where he served as chief human resources officer.

“Adding the CHRO position strengthens Love’s commitment to being a great place to work and attracting and retaining talented people as the company continues to grow,” said Shane Wharton, president of Love’s. “Les’ broad human resources knowledge, visionary mindset and ability to anticipate challenges makes him the perfect fit for this role.”

Thompson, selected after a national search, will report to Wharton. He will provide oversight and direction for Love’s human resources operations and support overall organizational goals for growth and profitability through effective human resources strategy. Thompson has a breadth of experience in business and human resources leadership, employee relations, strategic planning, talent management, acquisitions and development and more.

"I’m excited to join Love’s and help the company continue to be successful by hiring and growing extraordinary talent,” said Thompson. “My team will use existing and new strategic initiatives to make sure Love’s is known throughout the country as being a top-tier employer.”

In 2016, Thompson was selected to attend the Harvard High Potentials Program, an executive “C-Suite” development training. Thompson received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and his bachelor’s degree in human resources management and international business from Indiana University. He recently relocated to the Greater Oklahoma City area with his wife and two children.

About Love's Travel Stops

Love’s Travel Stops is the nation’s leading travel stop network with more than 590 locations in 41 states. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 36,000 people. Love’s provides professional truck drivers and motorists with 24-hour access to clean and safe places to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, fresh coffee, restaurant offerings and more. Love’s has over 420 truck service centers, which include Speedco and Love’s Truck Care locations. Love’s and Speedco combined is the largest oil change, preventive maintenance and total truck care nationwide network with over 1,500 maintenance bays and 1,200 emergency roadside vehicles available for customers. Love’s is committed to providing customers with “Clean Places, Friendly Faces” at every stop. To learn more, visit loves.com or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.