Publix promotes number of executives following CEO retirement
LAKELAND, Fla. - Publix on Monday upped president Todd Jones to president and CEO, succeeding CEO Ed Crenshaw, who is retiring from the Southeast grocer after a 42-year career. Crenshaw's retirement is effective April 30, Jones assumes the CEO title May 1.
With Jones’ promotion to president and CEO, David Phillips, CFO, will assume additional responsibilities and be promoted to EVP and CFO. And Miami division VP Kevin Murphy will be promoted to the newly created position of SVP retail operations, reporting to Jones.
Phillips, 56, began his Publix career in 1984 as an internal auditor. He was named audit manager in 1986 and promoted to controller in 1990. In 1996, he was promoted to VP and controller, and then in 1997 promoted to VP finance and treasurer. He was named CFO in 1999.
Murphy, 45, began his career in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Fla. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1995. He was promoted to Jacksonville division district manager in 2003, Atlanta division regional director in 2009 and Miami division VP in 2014.
Murphy and his wife, Christina, will soon be relocating to the Lakeland area.
With Murphy’s promotion, Bob Bechtel will be promoted to Miami division VP.
Bechtel, 52, began his career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Sarasota, Fla. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1991. He was named Lakeland division district manager in 1995. In 2008, Bechtel was promoted to his current position of Lakeland dvision regional director.
Bechtel and his wife, Kathy, will soon be relocating to South Florida.
After more than 47 years of dedicated service, Lakeland division VP Tom McLaughlin, 65, has announced his decision to retire April 30.
“Tom has helped perpetuate our culture by investing in our associates,” Jones said. “He has been able to identify talented associates and provide the appropriate training in order to prepare them for opportunity. He’s always led with a servant’s heart. We thank him for his strategic contributions to our project teams, most notably our new store design team.”
With McLaughlin’s retirement, Sam Pero will be promoted to Lakeland division VP.
Pero, 53, began his Publix career in 1977 as a front-service clerk in Miami. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1987. He was promoted to Lakeland division district manager in 1994, and in 2004 his district was moved to the company’s Jacksonville division. In 2005, Pero was named Jacksonville division regional director.
Pero and his wife, Marcy, will be relocating to Lakeland in the near future.
“We are excited to announce the promotion of four company leaders,” Crenshaw said. “In order for our company to have continued growth and success, we need associates who are ready to take the next step in their careers. David, Kevin, Sam and Bob are dynamic leaders focused on leading successful and diverse teams. They are passionate about Publix and our associates. Their promotions will allow us to continue to perpetuate our Publix culture of developing associates and enhancing our customers’ shopping experience.”
The promotions of Phillips, Murphy, Bechtel and Pero are effective May 1.