Tops Names Colgan VP of Sales

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Tops Friendly Markets here yesterday said it has named Diane Colgan vice president of sales development and marketing. She will oversee brand management, advertising, loyalty and interactive marketing, and community and public relations. Colgan most recently was vice president of marketing at Piggly Wiggly Carolina, Charleston, S.C., and before that was vice president of marketing at Bi-Lo, Mauldin, S.C., which like Tops was formerly part of Ahold USA. Prior to joining Bi-Lo, she held positions at Gerber Products and Belk department stores. “Diane's 20 years of marketing experience and her broad knowledge base in the grocery retail industry will undoubtedly make her an integral part of Tops' future success,” said Frank Curci, president and chief executive officer of Tops, in a prepared statement.

Former Ahold Exec Joins Recruiter

WASHINGTON — Jim Lawler, former global chief human resources officer at Ahold, has joined executive search firm Preston Reffett as managing director of professional services. In this newly created position, he will lead the firm's efforts in providing retailers with services beyond traditional executive search, such as executive coaching, organizational design, succession planning, talent management and business strategy. He will oversee the firm's office here. The company was founded by former supermarket executives Gary Preston and Bill Reffett.