The Pantry, a $7.2 billion independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, has hired Thomas Carney, a former executive with Borders Group, as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary.

Carney joins The Pantry from Borders Group, an international book and music retailer. After joining Borders in 1994 as general counsel and secretary, he was promoted to senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary in 2004. He previously served as vice president, general counsel and secretary at Hoover Universal, and as a partner at the Dickinson Wright law firm.

In his new role at The Pantry, he will oversee the legal affairs team, including board governance, securities regulation, and labor and employment law issues. In addition, he will have oversight of the risk management group.