Convenience store operator Kum & Go LC has hired Mark Hasting as its new chief operating officer, the West Des Moines-based company announced this morning.

Hasting, who had been a regional vice president for Starbucks Corp. since 2010, will be responsible for providing executive leadership and management of Kum & Go’s store operations, Kum & Go CEO Kyle Krause said in a release. 

Hasting succeeds Dennis Folden, who announced in January he would retire this summer as chief operating officer, after more than 40 years with the company.

Prior to working for Starbucks, Hasting was vice president of store operations at Target Corp., where he oversaw the finances, process and structure of 1,700 stores.

Krause said Hasting’s extensive experience within the retail industry, along with his expertise in operational strategy, made him a perfect fit.

“Kum & Go is experiencing tremendous growth across the 11 different states in which we do business,” Krause said in a release. “I am excited to have Mark join our senior management team. His experience and wealth of knowledge in the retail industry will allow him to make an immediate impact at Kum & Go.”

Hasting has a marketing degree from Oklahoma State University and a master of business administration degree from Oklahoma City University. He and his wife and three sons will be relocating to Greater Des Moines from Minneapolis.