Publix announces executive promotions and retirements
On Oct. 22, 2018 Publix CEO & President Todd Jones announced a series of officer promotions effective Jan. 1, 2019.
The first on the list was Kevin Murphy, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, who will be promoted to President. Murphy began his career in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1995 and climbed the ranks to his current position in 2016.
Laurie Douglas, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, will assume additional responsibilities as Chief Digital Officer. Douglas joined the company in 2006 and previously worked as senior vice president/chief information officer of FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center Inc.
Dale Myers, Vice President of Retail Business Development, announced he would retire after 44 years with the company. Bob Bechtel, Miami Division Vice President, will be promoted to Vice President of Customer Experience. Bechtel, 55, began his career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Sarasota, Florida and assumed his current role in 2016. John Goff, Miami Division Regional Director, will take Bechtel’s place.
Casey Suarez, 59, Vice President of Distribution, has announced he will retire after 40 years of dedicated service. Mike Lester, Director of Warehousing, will take on Suarez’ role as Vice President of Distribution. Lester, 53, began his career in 1983 as a warehouse selector in Lakeland, Florida and rose to his current position in 2014.
“We are thankful for the more than four decades that Dale and Casey have served our company,” said Publix CEO & President Todd Jones. “We thank them for their contributions and wish them well in the next chapters of their lives. We are also excited to announce the promotions of Kevin, Laurie, Bob, John and Mike. For our company to have continued success, we need associates who are ready to take the next step in their Publix careers. These promotions continue to perpetuate our Publix culture of developing associates by preparing them for opportunity,” Jones said.