SCHENECTADY and WILLIAMSVILLE, NY - The parent company of Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32 has shared news of an exciting executive transition! As Northeast Grocery, Inc. (NGI) Chief Executive Officer Frank Curci prepares for his retirement next month, John Persons has been named as the leader’s successor.

“I am thrilled to lead NGI forward in collaboration with the talented teammates and associates at Northeast Shared Services, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Tops who are dedicated to nourishing the communities we serve,” said Persons. “On behalf of all 30,000 of us, I’d like to express gratitude to Frank Curci for his leadership and mentorship over the years and reiterate my commitment to build on the momentum and success that he has fostered.”

Persons has served as Chief Operating Officer of NGI since June 2023, overseeing both the Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets operating companies as well as Northeast Shared Services’ merchandising and marketing functions.

The 40-year industry vet held a successful career tenure at Tops, during which he had oversight for various functions, including operations, merchandising, sales and marketing, real estate, information technology, and organizational strategy. This continuously growing expertise led to his appointment as President in 2015.

Persons will take over for Curci effective February 26, 2024.

One of Curci’s accomplishments as NGI’s CEO has been to develop a team of seasoned executives across Tops, Price Chopper/Market 32, and Northeast Shared Services (a subsidiary of NGI providing services to both operating companies) capable of providing experienced leadership and fueling an internal succession plan, a press release explained.

“The 43 years I have spent in this business have been challenging and rewarding beyond measure and, without a doubt, the recent years spent planning and then bringing NGI to life have been some of the most gratifying. I’m delighted that John has been chosen to succeed me. He has been instrumental in our merger success to date, providing the necessary leadership over these past few years to position NGI for success. While John’s strategic mindset is poised to lead our multifaceted business day to day, he also possesses great vision for our path forward,” said Curci.

Read more about the executive transition here. And for the latest retail news, keep clicking on that little apple logo.