Topco’s CEO Lauer Retires

SKOKIE, Ill. – Topco Associates here said Friday Steven K. Lauer, president and chief executive officer, is retiring after 19 years.

Randall J. “Randy” Skoda, executive vice president, will serve as Topco's interim president and CEO, according to a press statement.

Skoda has been with Topco for more than 10 years in a number of management roles and has been responsible for Topco's program management, product and brand development, innovation and not-for-resale groups.

Lauer joined Topco in 1993 as chief financial officer and became president and CEO in 1999.

Under Lauer’s leadership, Topco’s membership has grown to 51 retail, wholesale and foodservice member-owners that collectively represent more than $125 billion in sales. In the most recently completed year, Topco’s member-owners purchased over $11.3 billion in goods and services through Topco’s 10 programs.

"Topco has grown significantly and developed into a leader in the private-label industry because of Steve’s leadership," said Steve Smith, Topco's chairman and K-VA-T Food Stores, president and CEO.