2025 Rising Stars: Ashley Sturdivant of Topco
Every year, Store Brands sets out to recognize the next generation of private label leaders, individuals who are not only excelling in their roles but also driving meaningful progress across the industry. The 2025 Rising Stars embody the innovation, energy, and strategic thinking that are essential to keeping store brands competitive, relevant, and compelling to today’s consumers.
This year’s honorees share a deep commitment to delivering value, quality, and fresh ideas to their companies and retail partners. Whether launching new product lines, strengthening brand identities, or collaborating across teams to improve execution, each of these professionals brings passion and purpose to their work.
The impact of these Rising Stars is already being felt across the private label landscape. Many have played pivotal roles in building more shopper-centric brands, streamlining supply chains, or identifying on-trend innovations that resonate at shelf. In an era where private brands are gaining ground, their efforts are helping to redefine what store brands can be.
As the private label industry continues to evolve, future success will depend on a new generation of leaders. Their drive, insights, and collaborative spirit are setting a new standard, one that ensures the future of store brands is bright, bold, and built to last.
Ashley Sturdivant
Associate Quality Assurance Manager
Topco
With a strong background in manufacturing and regulatory compliance, Ashley Sturdivant has quickly become a key leader within Topco’s Quality Assurance team. As associate quality assurance manager, she oversees QA and regulatory compliance for products in the Center Store, Health & Beauty Care, and Grocery divisions, as well as managing a team responsible for fresh meat and seafood.
Supporting product lines that generate more than $1.5 billion in annual sales across the U.S. and international markets, Sturdivant brings a comprehensive, risk-based approach to quality assurance. Her manufacturing experience across both food and non-food sectors allows her to navigate complex compliance challenges with confidence and precision.
She was instrumental in Topco’s compliance with the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, collaborating with suppliers to bring more than 1,300 products in line with updated FDA requirements, the most significant regulatory change to cosmetics since 1938. She also led the reimagining of Topco’s Supplier Compliance Program, integrating industry trends, regulatory updates, and consumer feedback into a more efficient and effective review process.
Sturdivant’s leadership extends beyond regulatory work. She manages Topco’s Quality Assurance Internship Program, where she recruits and mentors future talent. More than 75% of her interns have transitioned to full-time roles at Topco, a testament to her commitment to talent development.
In 2024, Sturdivant led initiatives to enhance product quality across more than 10 categories, resulting in stronger consumer satisfaction and increased sales. Her efforts helped bring more than 150 new products to market in the past year, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership with suppliers and internal teams.
