After nearly three decades with Associated Food Stores, David Panter has stepped into a new role as vice president of business intelligence.
David joined AFS in the mid-1990s after working for Kmart and Sears and said the transition to this new assignment reflects both his personal growth and the company’s evolving focus on data-driven decision-making.
“I’d describe this role as a mission to help AFS become a truly data-driven organization,” David said. “That means leveraging analytics and business intelligence to guide decision-making, spark innovation across our value chain and deliver exceptional customer experiences.”
David’s career at AFS began as a space management analyst after what he called “the most memorable interview” of his career with AFS legend Brian Duff. From there, he had several leadership positions that included category manager, director of center store and vice president of center store sales and merchandising. He said each position prepared him to take on the next challenge.
“My father used to say, ‘If you don’t leave it better than you found it, what good were you?’” David said. “I’ve carried that mindset throughout my career. Each role has taught me the importance of questioning the ‘why’ behind processes and finding ways to drive improvement.”
As vice president of business intelligence, David plans to integrate closely with existing departments and teams, focusing on removing roadblocks and accelerating implementation of new tools. Among his top priorities are the full adoption of AMP, procurement’s internal promotional software for advertising, marketing and promotions, across all departments to integrate with Pocket, formerly known as AIMS; advancing retailer peer reporting with support from IT and analytics teams; and contributing to AFS’s “Store of the Future” initiative.
“Every goal we achieve this year will be thanks to the outstanding departments and teams already in place,” he said. “My focus is on serving as a resource and unlocking every possible gate to successful implementation.”
Over his 29 years in grocery, David has watched the industry transform, trading faxes and Sharpie sketches for advanced e-commerce and data-driven marketing.
“Two of the three companies I worked for earlier in my career didn’t survive,” he said. “But AFS has the potential to thrive for another 85 years. The future is bright, especially as we embrace tools like MC² that are reshaping how we reach and serve customers.”
Despite his accomplishments, David said the relationships he’s built are what excite him most about stepping into his new role.
“Over nearly 30 years, I’ve had the chance to work with incredibly talented people across many departments,” he said. “I’m grateful for a front-row seat to see how things get done and excited to contribute to advancing our business practices.”
Beyond the office, David’s life is rooted in family. He and his wife, Sylvia, share what he affectionately calls a “Brady Bunch” family of eight children with four daughters, four sons, four sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and 18 grandchildren, with a 19th on the way.
“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful wife, Sylvia, who is amazing in every way,” David said. “She’s the heart of our family and I couldn’t imagine life without her.”
The Panter family is spread across Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma and New York, but they still find ways to stay close through Sunday barbecues, camping trips or big reunions like the one this summer at Bear Lake.
Outside of work, David enjoys both camping in the mountains and relaxing at the beach. The Uinta Mountains and Siesta Key, Florida, are two of his favorite spots. He also loves cooking and grilling for his children and grandchildren, with hamburgers, chili and smoked meats often at the top of the menu.
Reading is another important part of his life. David likes business books that spark new ideas, but he is especially drawn to faith-centered works on marriage, family and building stronger relationships. Those books, he said, have helped him in his efforts to follow the example of Jesus Christ and bring those values into daily life.
“Whether at home, at church or at work, those values guide me,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family, both at home and here at AFS. That’s what keeps me grounded and motivated.”