TOKYO — Stephen Hayes Dacus was approved Tuesday to be the new chief executive of the operator of 7-Eleven, the first foreigner to lead the chain since a Japanese firm bought the convenience store business.

The American with a Japanese mother was appointed earlier this year to be chief executive of Seven & i Holdings Co., which operates the stores in Japan.

Dacus has promised further growth for the business, which has been widening its overseas appeal.

The 7-Eleven stores in Japan sell everything from ice cream to batteries to health needs and hot meals. Some stores allow customers to pay utility bills. They also work with local governments to help out during disasters, providing water, relief supplies and toilet facilities. — Associated Press