42-year Publix veteran and CEO Ed Crenshaw has officially announced his retirement this week, with the icon passing the torch on to current President Todd Jones., effective April 30, 2016.
“I’ve been privileged to lead what could quite possibly be the best company in the world,” Crenshaw explained in a press release. “The time has come to turn over the reins, and I am pleased to have a leader with the experience of Todd who is ready to take the next step in his career. I am confident in his ability to lead our company into the future and to continue to make Publix a great place for both customers and associates.”
Crenshaw will, however, not be leaving the Publix family entirely, but will be moving to the role of Chairman of the Board, effective May 3, 2016. Current Chairman of the Board Charlie Jenkins Jr., will then become Chairman Emeritus.
Crenshaw has had a diverse, yet successful career with Publix, and before being named CEO in 2008, he started as a front-service clerk in 1974. Eventually holding positions as Director of Retail Operations for the Lakeland Division in 1984, Vice President of the Lakeland Division in 1990, and Division Vice President in Atlanta in 1991, his most recent positions were Executive Vice President of Retail in 1994 and President in 1996.
Following in Crenshaw’s impressive footsteps, 26-year company employee and current President Todd Jones will take over as President and CEO.
Jones joined Publix in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he was later promoted to Store Manager in 1988, District Manager in 1997, Regional Director in 1999, and Vice President of the Jacksonville Division in 2003. In 2005, he began his role as Senior Vice President of Product Business Development, and later rose to the role of President in 2008.
With a new President to kick off 2016, you can bet Publix will be in for an exciting year. Stay tuned to DeliMarket News for the latest.
