Tim Langley- Hawthorne Named CTO Of Loves Travel Stops

Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, July 28th 2025 at 10:46 GMT by Forbes
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Tim Langley-Hawthorne has been named the CTO of Love's Travel Stops. He has held numerous senior technology positions, including his most recent post as CIO of Hertz.

Tim Langley-Hawthorne Appointed as Chief Technology Officer at Love's Travel Stops

In a significant move underscoring the growing intersection of technology and retail in the travel and convenience sector, Love's Travel Stops has announced the appointment of Tim Langley-Hawthorne as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This development, revealed on July 28, 2025, positions Langley-Hawthorne at the helm of the company's technological strategy, aiming to drive innovation in an industry increasingly reliant on digital solutions to enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency.

Love's Travel Stops, founded in 1964 by Tom and Judy Love in Watonga, Oklahoma, has grown into one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. With over 600 locations across 42 states, the company operates a vast network of travel stops, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants, serving millions of professional truck drivers, motorists, and RV enthusiasts annually. Beyond fuel and snacks, Love's has expanded into services like tire care, truck maintenance, and even hospitality with its own branded hotels. The company's success is rooted in its commitment to customer service, but in recent years, it has faced the imperative to modernize amid digital disruptions. From contactless payments and mobile apps to supply chain optimizations and data analytics, technology has become a cornerstone for staying competitive against rivals like Pilot Flying J and TA/Petro.

Enter Tim Langley-Hawthorne, a seasoned technology executive with a proven track record in transforming legacy systems into agile, future-proof infrastructures. Prior to joining Love's, Langley-Hawthorne served as the Senior Vice President of Technology at a major retail conglomerate, where he spearheaded initiatives that integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into inventory management and customer personalization. His career spans over two decades, beginning in software engineering at a Silicon Valley startup before moving into enterprise roles at companies like Walmart and Amazon Web Services (AWS). At AWS, he led cloud migration projects for Fortune 500 clients in the retail and logistics sectors, helping them scale operations during the e-commerce boom accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

What makes Langley-Hawthorne's appointment particularly noteworthy is his expertise in blending cutting-edge tech with the unique demands of the travel stop industry. In an exclusive interview, he shared his vision for Love's: "The travel stop business is at a pivotal moment. We're not just selling fuel; we're facilitating journeys. Technology allows us to anticipate needs—whether it's predicting trucker rest stops via AI-driven route optimization or offering personalized promotions through our app. My goal is to make every interaction seamless, safe, and efficient." This perspective aligns with broader industry trends, where companies are leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring of fuel pumps, predictive maintenance for equipment, and even electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as the shift toward sustainable energy gains momentum.

Love's executives have expressed high enthusiasm for Langley-Hawthorne's arrival. CEO Shane Wharton commented, "Tim brings a wealth of experience that will accelerate our digital transformation. In an era where data is king, his leadership will help us harness insights to better serve our customers and streamline our operations." This sentiment echoes the company's recent investments in tech, including the rollout of the My Love Rewards loyalty program, which uses data analytics to offer tailored discounts and rewards. Under Langley-Hawthorne's guidance, Love's plans to expand this further, potentially integrating augmented reality (AR) for virtual store tours or blockchain for secure supply chain tracking.

Delving deeper into Langley-Hawthorne's background reveals a leader shaped by diverse experiences. Born in the United Kingdom, he earned a degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge before relocating to the U.S. for his MBA at Stanford University. His early career involved developing algorithms for e-commerce platforms, which honed his skills in scalable systems. A pivotal role came at Walmart, where he oversaw the integration of omnichannel strategies, blending online ordering with in-store pickups—a model that proved resilient during global supply chain disruptions. At AWS, he championed sustainability initiatives, advising clients on reducing carbon footprints through efficient cloud computing, which resonates with Love's own commitments to environmental responsibility, such as installing solar panels at select locations and promoting biofuel options.

The timing of this appointment is strategic. The travel stop industry is navigating post-pandemic recovery, with increased demand for contactless services and a surge in road travel as remote work evolves into hybrid models. According to industry reports, digital adoption in retail fuel stations has grown by 40% since 2020, driven by mobile payments and app-based loyalty programs. However, challenges abound: cybersecurity threats are on the rise, with ransomware attacks targeting fuel infrastructure, as seen in past incidents like the Colonial Pipeline hack. Langley-Hawthorne addressed this directly: "Security isn't an afterthought; it's foundational. We'll be implementing robust protocols, including AI-powered threat detection, to protect our network and customer data."

Looking ahead, Langley-Hawthorne outlined several key initiatives. First, enhancing the customer experience through advanced analytics. Imagine a scenario where the Love's app uses geolocation to notify drivers of nearby stops with available parking, real-time fuel prices, and even menu suggestions based on past purchases. Second, operational efficiencies: By deploying IoT sensors across the company's vast fleet of locations, Love's can predict equipment failures, optimize inventory, and reduce downtime—critical for a business where every minute of operation counts. Third, sustainability tech: As EV adoption accelerates, Langley-Hawthorne envisions a network of high-speed charging stations integrated with renewable energy sources, potentially powered by on-site solar farms.

Moreover, Langley-Hawthorne emphasized the human element in tech adoption. "Technology should empower our employees, not replace them," he noted. This includes training programs for staff on new digital tools and fostering a culture of innovation through internal hackathons. Such approaches have been successful in his previous roles, where employee engagement scores improved alongside tech implementations.

Industry analysts view this hire as a bold step for Love's. "In a sector traditionally slow to digitize, appointing a CTO with Langley-Hawthorne's pedigree signals serious intent," said retail tech expert Dr. Elena Vasquez from the Wharton School. "It could set a benchmark for how travel stops evolve into smart, connected hubs." Competitors are watching closely; for instance, Pilot Flying J has recently invested in AI for demand forecasting, indicating a tech arms race in the space.

In conclusion, Tim Langley-Hawthorne's appointment as CTO at Love's Travel Stops marks a new chapter in the company's evolution. With his blend of technical acumen, strategic vision, and industry insight, he is poised to navigate the complexities of digital transformation while honoring Love's legacy of heartfelt service. As the travel industry rebounds and innovates, Love's under Langley-Hawthorne's leadership could redefine what it means to be a pit stop in the digital age—turning routine refuels into personalized, tech-enhanced experiences. This move not only strengthens Love's competitive edge but also highlights the broader trend of technology executives taking center stage in non-tech industries, driving growth through innovation and efficiency. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterhigh/2025/07/28/tim-langley-hawthorne-named-cto-of-loves-travel-stops/ ]

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