Editor’s Note:
Glen Keysaw, Darin Peirce, and Justin Johnson are stepping into new roles that will play a pivotal part in shaping the future of AFS. In this article, Team News focuses on Glen and Justin, with a similar update about Darin coming soon.
Associated Food Stores recently announced new leadership roles for several longtime team members. Glen Keysaw and Justin Johnson, both well-known across the organization for their dedication, energy and leadership skills are stepping into new positions that will help shape the future of AFS.
“Glen and Justin have earned their promotions through their leadership, expertise and focus on team building and innovation,” said David Rice, president and CEO of AFS. “They’re both lifelong learners and are always seeking new ways to grow and help their teams do the same. They are committed to the cause of our retailers and team and their leadership truly reflects the values that make AFS such a great place to work.”
After more than 30 years with AFS, Glen Keysaw has been named executive vice president of value chain. In his new role, Glen will lead efforts across merchandising, marketing, wholesale operations and member retail support. His focus will be on aligning teams and improving efficiency to better serve AFS’ more than 480 independent member retailers. “I’m really excited about this new role and the opportunity to continue working with such a dedicated team,” said Glen. “As we look ahead, it’s clear that staying innovative is key to staying ahead in our industry. My goal is to keep pushing for better ways to streamline and collaborate across our entire value chain and work with our team to support our independent retailers as their needs grow and evolve.”
Glen started with AFS in 1992 as a distribution specialist and has held a variety of leadership roles in warehouse and transportation. He’s been a driving force behind some of AFS’ biggest operational shifts, including moving distribution from Salt Lake City to Farr West, consolidating three distribution centers and rolling out a unified routing system that boosted delivery efficiency and saved millions.
A lifelong learner, Glen completed the WAFC Retail Management Program and holds a Dale Carnegie Leadership Certification. He’s even represented the transportation industry before Congress.
Outside of work, Glen enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and five kids — whether that’s riding ATVs, boating or diving into the latest tech gadgets.
Justin Johnson has been promoted to vice president of distribution. In this role, he’ll lead operations at the Farr West Distribution Center and continue to strengthen logistics and service for our member retailers. “I’ve worked directly with Glen for over a decade and he has been my mentor in teaching me about logistics, technology and AFS culture. I’m excited for this next challenge and to keep working alongside our amazing distribution team,” said Justin. “I look forward to working more closely and continuing to learn from the other value chain leaders. We in Farr West are very excited to carry on the tradition of the past Farr West leadership groups and build upon what they have established.”
Justin started at AFS in 2011 as an order selector. From there, he served as a training supervisor, routing manager, general manager and most recently, director of transportation and logistics. His on-the-ground experience and strong leadership have helped him drive many major improvements.
Among his accomplishments, Justin led the implementation of block loading and directed printing, saving costs and allowing reinvestment in the team and facility. He also revamped routing processes and warehouse schedules, helping create three-day workweeks that significantly improved retention and morale. Most recently, he’s played a leading role in Project ROAR, AFS’ initiative to modernize the distribution center.
Justin holds a business degree from Weber State University and an MBA from Western Governors University. He’s active in the FMI Warehouse and Transportation Share Group and was named one of Samsara’s “100 to Watch” in the industry.
Justin recently competed in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand and is currently training for a 200-mile bike race from Logan to Jackson Hole. He and his wife, Whitney (a competitive ultra trail runner) enjoy hiking, biking and boating with their children, Waylon and Lillian.