NEW CEO Joan Toth Stepping Down

CHICAGO — The Network for Executive Women (NEW) has started a search for a new leader on the announcement that Joan Toth, president and CEO, will leave the organization effective Dec. 31.

"After growing NEW from a fledgling organization with a handful of members and partners to the great organization it is today, it's time to move on to the next chapter of my career," Toth said. "I will stay on through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition."

Toth joined NEW when it was founded in 2001, serving first as the organization's elected secretary. She was named executive director in 2002 and appointed to the new post of president and CEO in 2011.

"As a founding leader of NEW, Joan leaves a remarkable legacy," said NEW Board Chair Karen Stuckey, senior vice president, private brands, general merchandise at Walmart US, a division of Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. 

"During her 15 years [at NEW], Joan's passion for the recruitment, retention and development of women leaders in the retail and consumer goods industry galvanized a movement. She built a strong and growing organization representing 10,000 members, more than 100 corporate sponsors and 20 regional groups across North America," Stuckey said.

With NEW's success in its mission over the past 15 years, the "time is right" for her departure, Toth said. The organization's learning, proprietary research and other programs have been expanded, she noted, adding, "Our base is very strong, and NEW's future has been secured with the launch of our Future Fund capital campaign."

Thanks to Toth, "NEW's future is bright," Stuckey said. "After setting the organization up for success with our NEW 2020 initiative and Future Fund campaign, Joan has well prepared us for the next chapter of our growth. On behalf of the membership, board and alumni of NEW, we are grateful to Joan for her unwavering commitment to women in our industry."

Earlier in her career, Toth launched Go-To-Market Strategies, a retail industry consulting firm, and led development activities for the retail/food industry publications of Bill Communications. Prior roles include vice president and publisher of Convenience Store News, and group publisher of the retail and distribution publications of Macfadden Trade Communications.