Boyd Irving’s grocery career spans more than 30 years, shaped by hard-earned experience and a deep respect for independent retail. Recently, he stepped into a new role as vice president of center store at Associated Food Stores. Boyd brings a wealth of experience, a track record of innovation and a passionate appreciation for the independent retailers AFS serves.
A Career Rooted in Experience
Boyd’s connection to AFS began long before he ever drew a paycheck from the company. More than 30 years ago, as an ambitious young man working under industry veteran David Rice at a previous employer, Boyd hoped to follow his mentor to AFS. But Dave gave him a piece of advice that would shape his path: “It’s called Associated FOOD Stores for a reason.” With only drugstore experience, Boyd needed to broaden his knowledge of grocery to be considered.
Taking the challenge to heart, Boyd began working for one of AFS’s independent member retailers, immersing himself in the grocery business. “After more than five years, I had just enough experience to come to Associated,” he said. “Almost 23 years ago, I joined AFS to grow my career, and now I have the privilege to lead the same department where I got my start.”
A Foundation Built on Versatility
Boyd began his AFS career as a category manager over seasonal and candy programs. It was a pivotal role that opened his eyes to the strategic planning behind seasonal sets. “It was a paradigm shift,” he said. “I had always been on the merchandising side. Now I was building the programs.”
That initial role set the tone for a multifaceted career. He later served as director of general merchandise/health and beauty, transitioned to Fresh Market as director of center store during the conversion of former Albertson’s stores, and returned to AFS to lead share groups, where he built key relationships with member retailers and learned the marketing side of the business.
“I’ve had the privilege of seeing the grocery world from nearly every angle,” Boyd said. “From corporate stores to procurement, from merchandising to private label. That diverse experience has helped prepare me for this new challenge.”
In 2014, he became director of Exclusive Brands, a role that became vice president of Exclusive Brands. Over 11 years, Irving helped build a robust and differentiated program that today represents more than 20 percent of the cases shipped from the AFS warehouse.
Exclusive Brands Success
Among Boyd’s proudest achievements is the creation and success of Red Button Vintage Creamery. “What started as a small idea has become a regional powerhouse,” he said. In 2024, Red Button generated $11.5 million in sales and is on track to hit $14 million by year-end. “We sold nearly 3.5 million units last year alone.”
The Exclusive Brands program has flourished under his leadership, growing from $185 million in 2014 to more than $430 million in projected sales this year. That’s a 132 percent increase. “It’s a true differentiator for our members,” Boyd said. “It helps them drive profits, offer quality products and stand apart from the competition.”
Vision for the Future of Center Store
As vice president of center store, Boyd is focused on reimagining what center store means for today’s independent grocer. “The center store remains the heart of the grocery experience,” he said. “But it must evolve. It’s no longer just about stocking shelves. It’s about offering the right products, with the right pricing and merchandising, at the right time.”
He’s particularly excited about supporting the new MC² marketing platform by providing relevant, profitable product assortments and strengthening the Exclusive Brand offerings. “We’re focusing on enhancing the shopper experience, making it easier to shop, staying on trend and increasing profitability for our members.” 
Meeting the Moment in a Changing Industry
Boyd has witnessed the grocery industry undergo what he calls a “seismic shift.” From increased competition to digital transformation, staying relevant now requires a different approach. “When I started, it was all about volume and velocity,” he said. “Today, it’s about differentiation, innovation and being nimble.”
AFS’s response under his leadership will include expansion in high-protein, health-forward and convenience categories, including ready-to-eat options and multicultural foods. He also plans to expand offerings in Hispanic and specialty categories to support the company’s ONSHELF program (Organic, Natural, Specialty, Healthy, Ethnic, Local Foods).
“The biggest challenge is managing complexity while staying relevant,” he said. “We’ll lean on data, collaboration and retail-ready execution to keep our retailers ahead of the curve.”
Supporting Retailers at the Shelf
Boyd’s core mission remains simple: help retailers win. “We want to make it easier for retailers to succeed,” he said. That means providing the right assortment, empowering them with compelling Exclusive Brand stories, and offering tools that drive profitable sales.
Through platforms like SPARK, and through simple, effective merchandising programs, Boyd and the rest of the AFS team plan to ensure every retailer has what they need to stand out. “We’re putting additional focus on driving sales units with enhanced profitability,” he added. “That’s what our members expect and deserve.”
A Passionate Life Outside the Office
Outside of work, Boyd’s life is just as full. He and his wife, Brooke, have been married for 28 years and share two daughters — Mikayla (23) and Kylie (20) — plus Wallie, their two-year-old pet duck. “My four girls keep me on my toes,” he laughed. “Being their soccer coach, a dance dad and just watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Brooke’s support, he said, has been essential to balancing the demands of grocery life. “She’s been my rock, understanding the long hours and always being there for me.”
A devoted University of Utah football fan, game days for Irving are a family affair. They include tailgating, flags on the truck, and head-to-toe red and black. “Red isn’t just a color at our house. It’s a way of life,” he said. “I love the energy of game day,” he said. “But more than anything, I treasure the memories made with my daughters at those games.”
When he’s not working or cheering on the Utes, Boyd enjoys landscaping, decorating, golfing, watching UFC or tackling home projects. “I’m a jack of all trades — just good enough to be dangerous,” he joked.
Looking Ahead
As he steps into this new leadership role, Boyd remains driven by the same motivation that brought him to AFS over two decades ago. He has a passion for grocery and a commitment to serving independent retailers.
“I’m honored to lead the center store team,” he said. “And I’m even more excited about what we can accomplish together in the years to come.”
With a mindset grounded in service, innovation and an eye on the future, Boyd, and the team he leads, are ready to take center store to the next level.
“Boyd brings the perfect mix of experience, passion and fresh ideas to the table,” said Glen Keysaw, executive vice president of value chain at AFS. “He truly understands what our retailers and customers need, and he’s not afraid to push for new ways to help them succeed. I’m confident he’s the right person to lead our center store team forward.” 