Topco Associates Names Produce VP
SKOKIE, Ill. - Topco Associates, LLC, a member-owned cooperative based here, has appointed Rob O'Rourke as its new v.p. - produce. In this role, O'Rourke will oversee the development, management, and growth of Topco's produce program and will report directly to Jeff Posner, Topco's e.v.p. and chief procurement officer.
O'Rourke most recently served as president of RJO Produce Marketing, a company he founded in 1993. RJO specialized in the procurement, inspection, and category planning of certain highly perishable produce categories. Prior to RJO, O'Rourke served as v.p. of Sterling Oak Produce, a company specializing in the inspection and procurement of West Coast fruit commodities.
"We are pleased to have attracted someone of Rob's caliber," Posner said in a statement released yesterday by Topco. "He is highly regarded in the produce industry and brings with him a proven track record. We're confident that the breadth of Rob's produce and procurement experience, along with his understanding of the retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels of distribution will help drive long-term growth for our members."
Topco Associates, LLC specializes in aggregating the multi-billion dollar purchases of its 51 food industry members in the procurement of a broad range of products and services including: private label, national brands, perishables, and equipment/supplies. Topco serves as a vehicle to leverage its members' collective volume to drive down product costs and to obtain economies of scale in support areas enabling its members to effectively compete against national companies.
O'Rourke most recently served as president of RJO Produce Marketing, a company he founded in 1993. RJO specialized in the procurement, inspection, and category planning of certain highly perishable produce categories. Prior to RJO, O'Rourke served as v.p. of Sterling Oak Produce, a company specializing in the inspection and procurement of West Coast fruit commodities.
"We are pleased to have attracted someone of Rob's caliber," Posner said in a statement released yesterday by Topco. "He is highly regarded in the produce industry and brings with him a proven track record. We're confident that the breadth of Rob's produce and procurement experience, along with his understanding of the retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels of distribution will help drive long-term growth for our members."
Topco Associates, LLC specializes in aggregating the multi-billion dollar purchases of its 51 food industry members in the procurement of a broad range of products and services including: private label, national brands, perishables, and equipment/supplies. Topco serves as a vehicle to leverage its members' collective volume to drive down product costs and to obtain economies of scale in support areas enabling its members to effectively compete against national companies.