Topco Elevates Chris Hooks to EVP

Chris Hooks, Topco’s SVP of center store, fresh and supply chain, has been promoted to EVP. In his new post, Hooks will expand his responsibilities to include Topco’s marketing and national brands teams, in addition to his existing center store, fresh programs and supply chain oversight.

“Over the past three years, Chris has driven Topco’s strategic business objectives with his expertise, which extends across product development, category management, replenishment and analytics, and with his extensive experience in grocery, retail, and with fresh and branded meat,” said Randy Skoda, president and CEO of Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Topco. Hooks has also taken on the leadership role of partnering with members as a co-chair of Topco’s operations team, advancing the strategic priorities of the membership.

“I am confident that under Chris’s leadership, these additional responsibilities will continue to build stronger communication, collaboration and alignment across our business, advancing our mission to bring additional value to Topco’s membership,” noted Skoda.

Hooks joined Topco in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of food industry experience, including as VP of Bentonville, Ark.-based Blue Ocean Innovative Solutions’ food division. In this role, Hooks advised retailers and suppliers on product development, category management and replenishment, and analytics. In addition, he was involved in a number of private label grocery, frozen and dairy projects.

Hooks' professional experience includes management roles with increasing responsibility at Supervalu Inc., Busch’s Inc., Premium Gold Angus Beef, and more than 10 years at H-E-B He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting and finance from Oklahoma State University.