Tops Markets announces executive-level promotions

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Tops Markets has announced additional executive-level promotions following the Oct. 6 announcement of John Persons as the company’s new president and COO.

 

The appointments are effective “immediately,” the company said in a news release issued on Tuesday.

 

“I am very confident that these promotions in our executive management will contribute greatly to Tops’ strategic focus on continued growth and success in serving our many customers and their communities,” Persons said in the Tops news release. “We have exceptionally talented associates in every facet of our company and these promotions will only further enhance Tops’ already proud legacy.”

 

Current CEO Frank Curci remains in that role and continues serving as chairman of the supermarket company’s board of directors, the firm said in its Oct. 6 news release.

 

Tops Markets, which is headquartered in the Buffalo suburb of Williamsville, operates 28 grocery stores within a 40-mile radius of Syracuse, according to its website store-locator feature.

 

Promotions

Tops has promoted Dave Langless to executive VP and CFO. Langless has been serving as the company’s senior VP and CFO.

 

In his role, Langless oversees all finance, accounting, and planning strategies at Tops Markets; handles banking and investor relationships; and represents Tops Markets “externally to financial audiences,” the company said.

 

The company has also promoted Ron Ferri to executive VP of operations. He most recently served as senior VP of distribution. In his new role, Ferri will develop and ensure the execution of long-term strategies in store operations.

 

Michael Biehler, who previously served as vice president of legal services, is now Tops’ chief legal counsel, the company said.

 

Biehler joined Tops in 1993 as legal counsel and since then, has been involved in “all aspects of Tops legal efforts.”

 

Most recently, he served as lead attorney in the 2013 acquisition of distribution operations from C&S Wholesale Grocers and in the sale of 27 pharmacies earlier this year. 

 

C&S Wholesale Grocers is headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, according to the firm’s website.

 

In addition, Diane Colgan has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing and business analysis. Prior to her promotion, she served as the vice president of sales & marketing.

 

In her new role as senior vice president of marketing & decision support, she is responsible for marketing, private brands, pricing, and the newly formed decision-support department.

 

Tops has also promoted Jeff Culhane to senior VP of merchandising. He joined the Tops team five years ago as the vice president of fresh foods.

 

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com