Nilhas Joins Schnucks as Treasurer

ST. LOUIS — Schnuck Markets here said it has named Diana C. Nilhas, 42, treasurer of the privately owned chain. She succeeds David Bell, who was recently promoted to chief financial officer, and to whom she also reports. Nilhas' responsibilities at Schnucks include overseeing treasury operations, risk management, budgeting and financial planning activities and not-for-resale procurement. Prior to joining Schnucks, Nilhas was vice president and treasurer for TLC Vision Corp., also based in St. Louis.

TOPCO NAMES BACKUS TO NEW POST

SKOKIE, Ill. — Private-label cooperative Topco Associates said it has named Glenn Backus senior vice president, innovation, with responsibility for overseeing all facets of innovation in product, packaging and branding. The move comes as Topco is bidding to acquire the Wild Oats trademark, which includes the private-label line. Backus most recently had been director of marketing and strategy at H.E. Butt Grocery Co., San Antonio, and before that he was president of Minneapolis-based Supervalu's Sunflower Markets chain, which was discontinued. Backus began his career with Trader Joe's, where he spent 14 years.

FMI'S TURNER JOINS GMA AS VP

Todd A. Turner

WASHINGTON — Grocery Manufacturers Association here said last week it has named Todd A. Turner vice president of industry affairs. He most recently was vice president of membership and urban affairs at Arlington, Va.-based Food Marketing Institute, where he spent 14 years. In his new position, Turner will have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of GMA's Industry Affairs Department and will lead the association's efforts in its sales and supply chain and technology practices. He will report to Stephen Sibert, senior vice president of industry affairs.

NRF NAMES SHAY PRESIDENT, CEO

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation said last week that Matt Shay has been selected as its next president and chief executive officer. He is scheduled to be elected formally at the June 22 NRF board meeting. Shay joins NRF from the International Franchise Association, where he was president and CEO. He succeeds Tracy Mullin, who is retiring after 17 years as NRF's CEO.

UNILEVER PROMOTES POLK, LEWIS

LONDON — Unilever here last week said that Vindi Banga, president of the company's Global Foods, Home and Personal Care division, has decided to leave Unilever at the end of May after 33 years with the company. Banga will be succeeded in his current role by Michael B. Polk, who is currently president, Americas. Polk in turn will be succeeded by Dave Lewis, currently executive vice president of Unilever U.K. and Ireland. Banga led the creation of the One Unilever Global Foods, Home and Personal Care Global Category organization, which is now responsible for innovation and marketing-mix development for all Unilever brands.