The National Defense Briefing Series (NDBS) named Joe DePinto ’86 the 2025 Congressman Sam Johnson Defender of Freedom Award recipient. This recognition is awarded annually to a business leader who has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication and service following the example of Congressman Sam Johnson, who served his country for nearly 60 years as a military officer and U.S. Congressman, including seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
DePinto is the CEO of 7-Eleven, Inc. and leads the premier company in convenience retailing. Globally, there are more than 84,000 7-Eleven stores, with 13,000 stores in North America. Before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of 7-Eleven, Inc. in 2005, DePinto was President of GameStop Corporation. He has also held executive positions at PepsiCo, Inc., and Thornton Oil Corporation.
Currently, DePinto is a Board Director of 7-Eleven, Inc., Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., and is the Chairman of the Board of Brinker International. He also serves on the Board of the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund.
In December 2017, DePinto was appointed a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, the Kellogg School of Management Global Advisory Board, and the Dallas Stars Ownership Advisory Group. A native of Chicago, Illinois, DePinto earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.