Salt Lake City–Neal Berube, chief executive officer of Associated Food Stores (AFS) has announced his retirement, officially taking place December 30, 2020. Upon Neal’s departure, Robert Obray, who currently serves as the company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will assume the role of CEO for AFS.
Berube served for 30 years at AFS, beginning in 1990. He has held the title of CEO for nine years. During Berube’s tenure, he led the AFS team through numerous accomplishments, including:
- Developing the Farr West distribution center, a one million square foot warehouse – (approx. 21 football fields).
- Helping AFS reach historical levels of profitability.
- Creating Red Button Vintage Creamery and Berube’s favorite ice cream flavor, black licorice.
- Launching AFS’ first loyalty program and online shopping platform.
- Adopting a new primary exclusive brand, Food Club.
- Growing Associated Retail Operations including the ground-up development of a Lin’s grocery store on Mall Drive in St Geroge, and the licensing of corporate store brands to member owners of Associated Food Stores.
- Appointing the first female vice president in history of the AFS.
- Implementing a construction loan and development program allowing members to acquire stores in prime locations.
“Neal has done an outstanding job as CEO. Associated Food Stores has been fortunate to have such a remarkable leader, responsible for guiding the team through many milestones and achievements. I am lucky to say that I know Neal well, and can personally speak to his integrity and kindness. He will be missed,” said Robert Obray, successor to Berube as the next CEO of AFS.
The team at AFS would like to thank Berube for his incredible leadership, dedication, and passion for the success of the independent grocer, as well as the amount of genuine care he continually demonstrated with the team at AFS. His contributions and leadership at AFS have been impactful and significant, leaving an incredible legacy.