Publix names new Atlanta division president

Publix Super Markets is naming a new Atlanta division president as Joe DiBenedetto, who has been with Publix for 44 years, plans his retirement at the end of the year. The company named Kris Jonczyk to the role effective Jan. 1, 2020. 

DiBenedetto has been with Publix since he started in 1975 as a front service clear in Cape Coral, Fla. After working at various stores in southwest Florida and Orlando, he was promoted in store manager in 1986 and district manager in 1992. He was the first district manager in South Carolina for Publix, and became regional director of the Atlanta division in 1995. He assumed his current position in 2011. 

“Joe has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of our Atlanta Division,” said Publix president Kevin Murphy. “Throughout his career, Joe has worked to develop leaders for future opportunities. We wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life.”

DiBenedetto’s successor, Jonczyk, has been with the company since 1986, when he joined Publix as a front service clerk in Tequesta, Fla. He became a store manager in 2000, a district manager in 2012 and was named regional director of the Atlanta division in 2016. 

“Kris is a strong operational leader who is committed to training and developing associates,” Murphy said. “We are excited that he is ready to take the next step in his career.”

Publix currently has 1,229 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.