Topco announces leadership promotions

Topco Associates has announced two executive-level promotions to help lead the member-owned company.

Danell O’Neill has been promoted to executive vice president and will continue her strategic focus on brand and marketing, building out brand architecture and continuing to integrate Topco’s own brands. In addition to assuming all components of product and packaging, O’Neill remains responsible for human resources and corporate communications. Prior to joining Topco in 2013, O’Neill was a partner at WordWize Consulting. She previously held roles at ACNielsen and Zurich Insurance Company Ltd.

Mike Ferguson has been promoted to senior vice president of fresh programs. In his new role, Ferguson will become responsible for fresh and branded meat, deli/bakery, seafood, food services and commodities. This is in addition to his existing responsibilities of produce and floral. Ferguson joined Topco in 2019 after more than 28 years at Kroger.

“Danell and Mike have demonstrated their value to the Topco membership on numerous occasions, and I am confident their promotions will go a long way in not just meeting our members’ needs, but providing additional value to the membership,” said Randy Skoda, Topco president and CEO.

“I’ve spent many years working with Danell, and she’s shown an ability to instill a 'One Topco' approach for both our organization and the cooperative as a whole on countless occasions. Her additional responsibilities will advance our Own Brand Excellence efforts, offering added value to both Topco and members’ own brands, further helping members compete in the markets they serve," said Skoda. "Mike’s extensive knowledge in the fresh category has provided the membership with unique perspectives, innovative thoughts and a propensity to see his ideas into reality since joining our organization a few years ago. We’re excited to see Mike execute on our Far-Reaching Fresh initiatives and carry on the steady momentum he’s provided to the membership."