AFS Announces Executive Promotions Following EVP Exit

Following the recent announcement that Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Roger White will be departing Associated Food Stores (AFS) in June to become the next CEO of URM Stores Inc., the Salt Lake City-based grocery wholesaler has announced the promotion of three key executives to further strengthen its leadership team.

The new appointments, which will take effect upon White’s departure, are as follows:

• Glen Keysaw has been named Executive Vice President of Value Chain, where he will oversee key areas including merchandising, marketing, wholesale operations, and member retail support.
• Justin Johnson will step into the role of Vice President of Distribution, assuming leadership of the company’s distribution center and logistics initiatives.
• Darin Peirce will be elevated to Executive Vice President, continuing his current responsibilities as President of Associated Retail Operations, which manages AFS’s corporate-owned retail stores.

Roger White’s move to URM Stores, where he will succeed retiring CEO Ray Sprinkle, marks a new chapter in his distinguished career. White has been instrumental in shaping AFS’s operational success and growth over the past several decades.

“Roger has been a cornerstone of our leadership team and culture,” said David Rice, President and CEO of Associated Food Stores. “His ability to bring people together, drive strategy and stay grounded in our mission has made a lasting impact on AFS and the retailers we serve. While we will miss him tremendously, we’re excited to see him take this next step and continue influencing the independent grocery industry at URM.”

Rice added that the promotions reflect the depth of leadership within AFS and reinforce the organization’s focus on advancing its mission.

“These moves reflect the incredible talent at AFS and our continued focus on strengthening the support and services for our member retailers today and in the future,” said Rice. “Glen, Justin and Darin have demonstrated outstanding leadership and an incredible commitment to our purpose.”

The transition is especially meaningful given AFS’s historic connection to URM. Eighty-five years ago, URM played a pivotal role in helping Don Lloyd establish what would eventually become Associated Food Stores. Founded in 1940, Associated Food Stores empowers independent grocers across the Intermountain West with warehousing, distribution, logistics, and retail solutions. What began as a partnership of 34 grocers seeking to enhance buying power and compete with national chains has grown into a network of nearly 500 stores.

From left to right: Glen Keysaw, Justin Johnson and Darin Peirce