Former Walmart seafood executive Jacqueline “Jacqui” Lyons recently joined privately held Topco Associates as its new vice president of meat and seafood.
Lyons spent the last 27 years at Walmart — most recently serving as a divisional merchandise manager of seafood and seasonal meat. In her new role, Lyons will oversee Oak Grove Village, Illinois, U.S.A.-based Topco’s fresh meat, packaged meat, and seafood departments.
Topco is the largest retailer-owned wholesale cooperative in the United States, worth USD 17.2 billion (EUR 17.3 billion), the company said in a press release.
The member-owned company services more than 360 supermarkets across the Northeast U.S.
“We’re excited for Jacqui to join the team, adding an experienced perspective to a critical strategic part of our business,” Topco President and CEO Randy Skoda said. “She arrives with a proven track record and I am confident she will be able to partner with our members to drive value by bringing innovative opportunities and solutions that drive value and help Topco’s members meet the growing needs of their shoppers.”
Prior to her appointment in 2018 as Walmart's divisional merchandise manager of seafood and seasonal meat, Lyons held a variety of positions, including senior director, merchandise manager of beef and ground beef, as well as senior buyer for the fresh chicken category. Lyons also has experience in the dry grocery, snacks, beverages, produce, and floral categories.
“Jacqui’s subject-matter knowledge, extensive experience, and leadership will be integral as Topco builds solutions in collaboration with our members that exceed shoppers' expectations in Meat and Seafood,” Topco Senior Vice President of Fresh Mike Ferguson said. “Providing unparalleled freshness, value, and product transparency in the supply chain has never been more important. Jacqui will expertly guide our team in this pursuit."
Lyons holds an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in merchandising management.
Photo courtesy of Topco
