The Pantry on Thursday named B. Clyde Preslar to be its chief financial officer.

Preslar joins the Cary convenience store company from RailAmerica, where he has served as chief financial officer since 2008. He also previously served as CFO for Cott Corporation, a maker of nonalcoholic beverages, and the snack food manufacturer Lance.

“Clyde is a proven leader ideally suited for The Pantry with more than 15 years of financial leadership experience as a Chief Financial Officer,” said Dennis Hatchell, The Pantry's CEO, in a statement.

“Clyde has an extensive breadth of financial experience, including financial leadership in the consumer goods arena, and an exceptional track record of financial management, planning and corporate development. We look forward to having Clyde join the executive leadership team.”

Preslar replaces Mark Bierley, who resigned in May to take a position near his home in Michigan. Berry Epley, the company's corporate controller, had been handling CFO responsibilities while The Pantry searched for a permanent replacement.

The Pantry has more than 1,500 stores throughout the Southeast, primarily under the Kangaroo Express brand.

Richard Eisenstadt, Tranzyme Pharma's chief financial officer, is resigning effective Jan. 4 to pursue a new career opportunity, the Durham company announced Wednesday.

"On behalf of the entire team at Tranzyme Pharma, I would like to thank Rich for his many years of hard work and dedication at the company during his tenure as CFO," CEO Vipin K. Garg said in a statement. "Since joining Tranzyme in 2003, Rich has been a valuable member of our executive team. We wish him the best in his future endeavor."

Tranzyme's controller, Rhonda L. Stanley, will take over Eisenstadt's CFO duties after he departs.