Publix CEO retires, will become chairman of board

LAKELAND, Fla. Publix Super Markets chief executive officer Charlie Jenkins Jr. announced his retirement today.

Jenkins, who has been an employee of Publix for nearly 40 years, and chief executive officer for 6 years, will continue to be an active member of the Publix board of directors, and has agreed to accept the role of chairman of the board. Howard Jenkins, Publix Super Markets’ current chairman of the board, will become chairman of the executive committee. Both will take their new positions on March 30, 2008.

"The board of directors is pleased that Charlie has agreed to accept this position, and we look forward to working with him to continue the success of Publix," Jenkins said.

Publix Super Markets, a privately owned and operated grocery chain with more than 900 stores in the southern United States, will undergo additional corporate changes upon Charlie Jenkins’ retirement. Publix president Ed Crenshaw will become chief executive officer. Todd Jones, senior vice president of product business development, will replace Crenshaw as president.

"We are pleased to have leaders with the experience of Ed and Todd who are ready to take the next steps in their careers," said Jenkins. "I’m confident they will be successful in continuing Publix’s success."