RICHMOND, Va. — GPM Investments announced that drugstore and dollar-store veteran Michael Bloom will join the convenience-store company’s executive team in the newly created role of executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer.

In his new role with GPM, Bloom will be responsible for the company’s entire merchandising and marketing team, as well as their proprietary food, franchise and dispensed beverage programs. He will also oversee the continued growth, development and implementation of GPM’s customer loyalty program, fas Rewards.

Bloom has an array of merchandising and marketing experience from working in the retail industry for more than 38 years. Prior to joining GPM, Bloom was chief executive officer of Memphis, Tenn.-based Fred’s Inc., an operator of drug and general merchandise stores. Before his time at Fred’s, he was president and chief operating officer of Family Dollar, which operates more than 8,400 stores. He also held executive positions for more than 20 years at CVS Pharmacy. Before joining CVS, Bloom spent 10 years in merchandising and operations management with Peoples Drug Stores and Shoppers Drug Mart Corp.