Tops Appoints VP of Center Store Sales & Merch

Tops Markets LLC has added Kristen Hanson to its leadership team as VP of center store sales and merchandising. In her new role, Hanson will lead all functions of sales and merchandising in the center store areas of the business, including edible and nonfood grocery, dairy/frozen, general merchandise, health and beauty care, pharmacy, Tops’ fuel business, and the merchandising supply chain.

From 1992 to 2013, Hanson was VP for the Delhaize America Shared Services Group LLC/Hannaford Bros. Co., in which capacity she oversaw center store merchandising, private label and fresh merchandising for Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford. She was also VP of sales and marketing for Green Thumb Farm, part of San Francisco-based Fresh Solutions Network LLC. Further, Hanson is a retailer herself as co-owner of Hanson’s Hometown Hardware, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, with her husband, Ron.

“As Tops continues to expand, this is an ideal time for someone with Kristen’s knowledge and expertise to join our team,” said Tops President and COO John Persons. “Her breadth of experience in sales and merchandising, impressive track record with developing and launching new products, and ability to manage a team in an ever-evolving and fast-paced industry is certainly impressive.”

Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops operates 172 full-service supermarkets, with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. The grocer employs more than 16,000 associates in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont and north central Massachusetts.