Topco Board Approves Skoda as New CEO

SKOKIE, Ill. — Private-label cooperative Topco Associates here said Friday that its board has unanimously approved the appointment of Randall J. “Randy” Skoda as the company’s new president and chief executive officer.

As previously reported, Skoda, 49, was named interim president and CEO in December when Steven K. Lauer announced his retirement from that position.

“Speaking on behalf of the board, we are excited about the leadership and experience Randy brings to his new role,” said Steve Smith, Topco’s chairman and K-VA-T Food Stores president and CEO. “Given the economic realities facing consumers and the grocery industry, the strategic importance of Topco to its food-industry member-owners has never been greater. Randy’s extensive knowledge of Topco and the grocery industry will help drive more value for each of Topco’s 51 members as well as take this great organization to the next level.”

Skoda has been with Topco for more than 10 years in several different management roles and has been responsible for Topco's program management, product and brand development, innovation and not-for-resale groups. Prior to being named interim president and CEO, he had been executive vice president.