Chris Hughes Becomes SVP at ACE Cash Express

by Cynthia R., writing for the School of ACE Blog

Great leaders don't just appear at the top. They grow through experience, perspective, and by learning the business inside and out.

Chris Hughes is proof.

On July 1, Chris became Senior Vice President of Store Operations at ACE Cash Express. As we celebrate this exciting new chapter, let's review some highlights of what brought him here and learn what's yet to come.

The Early Days

Chris joined ACE nearly two decades ago as a District Manager, overseeing multiple store locations and ensuring operations ran smoothly behind the scenes. His previous experience as a Director of Store Operations at a real estate and dry-cleaning company gave him the multi-unit management skills that helped him get his foot in the door.

Going from real estate to financial services was no small feat, but Chris didn't navigate that transition alone. His wife Emily Hughes, whom he married just nine months before joining ACE, was beside him every step of the way.

"She is my silent business partner," Chris says.

With her support, he quickly built a reputation for strengthening day-to-day performance and improving the customer experience - priorities that still drive him today.

Growth and Leadership

Three years into his journey with ACE, Chris reached two major milestones - he became a Regional Vice President and a father. Both roles sharpened his ability to lead with empathy.

As an RVP, he had growth opportunities and challenges. One key moment was when ACE tested a pilot initiative to implement a different operations model for our stores. It was his first taste exploring strategic initiatives outside of his usual day-to-day operations focus.

"That enabled me to step into project management and do things outside of the multi-unit aspect of the stores," Chris says. "It was a pivotal moment that gave me exposure to senior leadership."

Even as his responsibilities grew, he never lost sight of the importance of his team.

"Still today," Chris says, "the highlight of this job is the interaction with people at our stores."

Associates have noticed his efforts to truly connect with them as he's risen through the ranks.

Senior Operations Specialist Christi Bosuro recalls several store associates nominating Chris one year for the Key Principles award. It's an honor for employees who embody one of our seven core values: people, opportunity, persistence, unity, leadership, urgency, and service.

"That says a lot for someone at the regional vice president level," Christi says.

Stepping into a New Role

After nine years as an RVP, Chris became a Senior RVP, supporting then-SVP of Operations Janet Allen. Under her guidance, he continued to build his reputation as a confident, people-first leader.

"He's not going to sugarcoat anything," says Christi. "He tells it like it is and is always going to be on the right side of things."

Janet, who retired in June after nearly 13 years of service, reflected prior to her departure.

"Part of what's making it easier for me to step away is that Chris Hughes is being promoted to SVP. Chris has been an incredible partner to me."

Janet eased his transition by showing him the behind-the-scenes responsibilities that come with senior leadership, and by modeling the importance of keeping store employees top of mind.

"What made Janet successful is that she never took her eyes off what was important for the stores," Chris notes.

Although he's following in her footsteps, he's also ready to make his own mark in a new organizational structure. He'll be leading the recently merged East and West divisions.

"For someone to take on that much responsibility," Christi says, "it shows a lot about his leadership and how much trust the organization has in him."

What's Next for ACE?

Money is personal. Sometimes, you need it urgently. And for many consumers, ACE stores are where they go to pay a bill, cash a check, or apply for a loan.

"There are real-life implications of what happens in our stores," Chris says.

That's why he's passionate about ensuring store associates feel empowered and proud of the work they do.

Now in a senior role, he wants to incorporate field feedback into decision-making processes earlier. That gives decision-makers the opportunity to hear store voices and factor that into changes they make.

"I want to invest in our leadership." Chris says, "Helping District Managers be the most well-rounded leaders they can be affects the other side of the glass too."

While ACE is always exploring ways to grow digitally, we take pride in having an established storefront presence. We value having a storefront where real people help real customers, face to face. That won't change.

Janet may have left big shoes to fill, but no one doubts that Chris is up to the task. In addition to the experience he has gained with ACE, he believes raising a teenage son has been the perfect training.

"Being a parent teaches you so much about human nature and patience," Chris says. "I am a better SVP of Operations because I'm a dad."

Please join us in congratulating Chris Hughes on his well-deserved promotion. His leadership, integrity, and people-first mindset have already made a lasting impact, and this is only the beginning.

Follow ACE to see how store operations evolve under his guidance!

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• Instagram