Topco Names New HR, Communications Leaders
Topco Associates LLC has hired Anjani Bhargava as its senior vice president and chief human resources officer, and promoted Danell O’Neill to VP of corporate communications.
Bhargava will have overall responsibility for the company’s HR function, which includes developing and implementing Topco’s human capital strategy through comprehensive initiatives and programs. Bhargava will report directly to Randy Skoda, Topco’s president and CEO.
“The most valuable part of Topco is our people. Moving our business forward begins with this intellectual capital, and Anjani brings thought leadership, a collaborative style and a hands-on approach to achieving results through people and processes,” Skoda said. “I look forward to Anjani’s leadership across our Human Resources initiatives as we continue to develop a world-class human capital strategy that further advances Topco’s mission of helping drive value for our membership.”
Bhargava comes to Topco with extensive experience working with senior executives on leadership effectiveness, talent management, organization design and building strategic human resources functions at companies such as Best Buy, Biogen, Con Agra, CDW, McDonalds and Xerox. She also held senior HR roles at Pepsi and Motorola.
Managing brand messaging
In the newly created role of VP of corporate communications, O’Neill will continue to manage messaging that promotes and enhances Topco’s brand reputation for all stakeholders across all channels.
A key pillar of this role will include the development and implementation of an integrated strategic communications plan that is aligned to the organization’s strategic planning process. This plan will advance the company’s brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase the visibility of its programs across key stakeholder audiences.
“Under Danell’s leadership, the role of communications within Topco has become an invaluable asset that has helped to advance our position with relevant constituents, driving broader awareness, understanding and support for the organization,” Skoda said. “The need for strong communications remains critical as Topco continues to evolve its work with the membership.”
O’Neil joined Topco in 2013 after leading its communications functions as a consultant for more than a year. Prior to joining Topco, O’Neill was a managing partner of a consulting company. She also held communications roles at Honeywell, Accenture and Nielsen, where she was VP of corporate communications.
Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Topco Associates provides aggregation, innovation and knowledge management solutions for its leading food industry member-owners and customers, including grocery retailers, wholesalers and foodservice suppliers.