FMI MIDWINTER: Friends Celebrate Joan Toth

Joan Toth helped grow the Network of Executive Women from a handful of members and partners into the retail and CPG industry’s largest leadership organization.

In fact, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a life Toth hasn’t touched in the room Saturday night when she was honored for her contributions, leadership and friendship at the annual Friends of the Industry dinner during the Food Marketing Institute’s 2017 Midwinter Executive Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Toth was treated to a standing ovation, a silver loving cup and the gratitude of countless folks offering their appreciation for Toth’s 15 years of dedicated services to NEW. She was elected treasurer of the organization in 2001, named executive director in 2002 and served in the new position of president and CEO from 2011 to the end of 2016.

“As founding leader of NEW, Joan leaves a remarkable legacy,” says NEW Board Chair Karen Stuckey, SVP for private brands and general merchandise, Walmart US, at Wal-Mart Stores Inc. “During her 15 years, Joan’s passion galvanized a movement. She built a strong and growing organization representing 10,000 members, more than 100 corporate sponsors and 20 regional groups across North America.”

Among other endeavors, Toth previously launched Go-To-Market Strategies, a retail consulting firm, and served as VP and publisher of Convenience Store News, a sister publication to Progressive Grocer.

The setting for Toth’s celebration was the 16th annual dinner of Friends of the Industry, which, in lieu of gifts or headliner entertainment for the banquet, allocates such funds to local charities and educational organizations designated by FMI members.