BUFFALO, NY - Tops Friendly Markets has announced that it has named over 30-year company veteran John Persons as President and Chief Operating Officer, while former President Frank Curci steps down to continue as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman.
“I look forward as President and COO to working with all members of the Tops family—associates, vendors and suppliers—as we strive to provide Tops’ customers with what they want, when they want it, and saves them time and money,” Persons said. “I also thank Frank Curci and the Tops’ Board of Directors for the confidence they have placed in me as we continue to build a stronger Tops in the communities we serve.”
In his new role as President and COO, Persons will oversee all store operations, as well as all sales, marketing, and merchandising operations. Persons most recently served as Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Merchandising, but prior to that he was Senior Vice President of Retail Operations from 2007 to 2014, and Vice President of Retail Operations from 2000 to 2007.
Beyond that, Persons has been a Board Director of the company since 2013 and part of Curci’s management team that bought out Tops from its previous owner, Morgan Stanley Private Equity, in December 2013, according to the Meadville Tribune.
“John’s appointment is the first step in an organized and planned effort to ensure we have consistent and experienced leadership to guide the future growth and success of Tops Friendly Markets,” Curci explained. “Over the past eight years, John has played a significant role in building our organization and is committed to ensuring that Tops is providing the best value possible for our many customers.”
Curci has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the company since December 2007 when Morgan Stanley Private Equity purchased Tops Friendly Markets from Koninklijke Ahold, N.V. (Ahold). He became Chairman of the Board of Directors during the same 2013 management buyout.
According to the Meadville Tribune. Curci’s leadership has brought Tops more than double the number of stores to 165, expanded its reach into eastern and northern New York, Vermont and northern Pennsylvania, and invested more than $200 million in store renovations and updates.
