Publix has announced the departure of one of the company’s most experienced leaders this week. After 50 years of service, Vice Chairman Barney Barnett has announced plans to retire effective April 30, 2019.
“We are grateful for Barney’s 50 years of service to Publix, our associates, our customers, and the communities we serve. His commitment to our culture has helped pave the path for our future successes,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones, in a press release. “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside him. We will miss him but also wish him well as he starts this next chapter of his life.”
Barnett began his Publix career in 1969 as an Internal Auditor in Lakeland, Florida. He was then promoted to Controller in 1977 and VP of Administration in 1986. In 1988, he was again promoted, this time to the role of EVP, and in 1998, he moved into his current role as Vice Chairman.
According to the company’s press release, Barnett is one of only 20 Publix associates who have reached the milestone of a 50-year-long Publix career. And Barnett will remain on the board of Publix Super Markets Charities and, as Publix board of directors has also named him Vice Chairman Emeritus, Barnett will be recognized at this year’s annual meeting of stockholders.
Barnett has, throughout his Publix career, been recognized by a number of organization for both his leadership and commitment to the community. The United Way of Central Florida named him Philanthropist of the Year in 2016 and presented him with the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award in 2002. He was inducted into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame in 2002 and received the Governor’s Business Leader Award in 2010.
Publix noted that Barnett is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Carol Jenkins Barnett, and continuing to support the communities they’ve served for so long.
Congratulations, Barney, from the Deli Market News team, for an outstanding career.
