CHICAGO -- BP Amoco Marketers Association (BPAMA) Executive Director John Kleine will retire following nine years of service to the organization, announced BPAMA and BP Products North America. His retirement is effective January 2013.

Kleine was appointed to the position in 2004 after a long career in petroleum marketing with Amoco.

As executive director, Kleine helped forge greater integration between BP and BP branded marketers. In 2010, he worked with more than 30 BP-branded marketers, BP senior leaders, independent experts and leaders from the Kellogg School of Management to create a new joint strategy initiative between BP and its branded marketers.

"Under John's leadership, the relationship between BP and the BPAMA has evolved tremendously over the last decade by creating a forum where BP and its marketers can come together to work on strategic initiatives. His unique ability to recognize the winning balance between customer and supplier helps us work together in a unique manner in a very tough environment," said Sean Daley, vice president of business development.

"When I started my career decades ago as a trainee working in a Standard Oil service station, my training was simple -- learn from others," stated Kleine. "Charting a course through an ever-changing industry requires the collaboration of many business leaders. No longer can we do it alone. I'm confident that, as the 'hub of the relationship wheel,' BPAMA will continue to build and sustain in cooperation with its branded marketers a truly winning difference throughout the years to come."

During his tenure at BPAMA, BP significantly changed how it goes to market, transitioning the majority of BP sites from company owned and operated to branded marketer owned and operated, according to the announcement.

"We salute John for bridging the gap during such changing and challenging times, encouraging all stakeholders to work toward a mutual vision of success. John was also the champion of the 'locally owned, locally operated' platform," said Randy Meffert, chairman of BPAMA. "We will miss his congenial personality and passion for the brand and will strive to preserve his legacy well beyond 2012."

BPAMA has tapped Jason McAuliffe, president of executive search firm ERI, to lead the search for Kleine's replacement.