360Fuel Appoints Public Markets Veteran Benjamin Cowart as Chief Development Officer

HOUSTON, TX – June 10, 2026 – 360Fuel, a future-of-fueling company transforming retail energy and convenience infrastructure through automation, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy integration, today announced the appointment of Benjamin Cowart as Chief Development Officer.

Cowart brings more than 39 years of executive leadership across energy, refining, environmental technologies, and corporate development, including more than two decades of public company leadership and capital markets experience. In his role as Chief Development Officer, Cowart will lead strategic corporate development, M&A, and infrastructure partnerships while contributing to capital formation initiatives as 360Fuel advances its platform across the retail fueling and convenience ecosystem.

Cowart joins 360Fuel with a distinguished track record in corporate development and public company leadership. As Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Vertex Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTNR), he spent more than two decades leading the company through complex growth, capital markets execution, and more than $600 million in M&A and infrastructure-related investments.

Most notably, in 2022, Cowart led the transformative acquisition of Shell’s Mobile, Alabama refinery, a landmark transaction that repositioned the facility for continued conventional fuel operations while advancing renewable fuels development and future hydrogen-related infrastructure opportunities.

As fueling and convenience networks navigate a rapidly changing energy and retail landscape, Cowart’s experience across refining, infrastructure, corporate development, and institutional capital markets provides a strategic bridge between legacy energy assets and the next generation of retail energy infrastructure.  

“Ben’s public markets leadership, refinery-level operating experience, and deep expertise in traditional fuels and renewable energy transformation make him an extraordinary addition to our executive team,” said Werlien Prosperie III, Founder and CEO of 360Fuel. “His experience leading complex energy transactions and infrastructure development strengthens our strategic partnerships, corporate development capabilities, and long-term capital formation strategy.”

“I have spent my career at the intersection of traditional energy infrastructure and future-focused innovation, and 360Fuel represents the next frontier of that evolution,” said Benjamin Cowart. “I look forward to working with Werlien and the entire leadership team to drive strategic development, accelerate infrastructure transformation, and position 360Fuel as the leading platform in the retail energy and convenience sector.”

Cowart is a recognized energy industry leader and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. He is the former President of the National Oil Recyclers Association and holds an executive credential from Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Cowart’s appointment further strengthens 360Fuel’s leadership team as the company advances its patented AI-native infrastructure platform, expands strategic energy partnerships, and accelerates the transformation of legacy fueling sites into next-generation retail energy hubs.

For more information about 360Fuel, please visit 360Fuel.tech.

About 360Fuel

360Fuel is a future-of-fueling company delivering retail automation, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and renewable energy transformation for fueling sites and convenience stores. Through its patented technology platform, 360Fuel transforms legacy retail fuel locations into standardized, AI-enabled infrastructure and renewable energy hubs designed for the next generation of mobility, commerce, and transportation decarbonization.

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