LAKELAND, FL - Growth, expanded initiatives, and increased efforts surrounding innovation are all accomplishments major retailer Publix is touting after a strong third quarter. As a result, and with continued expansion on its mind, Publix CEO & President Todd Jones announced today new officer positions, effective January 1, 2018.
“Investing in our business is critical to our growth and success,” said Jones, in a press release. “I’m excited we have associates ready to take the next step in their careers, helping us execute our company strategy.”
Currently the Director of Industrial Maintenance, Randy Barber will be promoted to Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Purchasing, in which he will be responsible for industrial maintenance, facilities purchasing, and manufacturing supply purchasing. Barber joined Publix in 1978 as a Front Service Clerk, and has been promoted regularly since.
Because Publix’s fresh retail business units (RBUs)—which buy product, develop business plans, and provide support to the company’s retail stores—are among those with rapidly expanding initiatives and innovation efforts, the retailer is dividing those responsibilities between two current officers.
Moving from Publix’s grocery team as Vice President of Product Business Development for Grocery and Non-Foods, Pete Mowitt will take on the bakery and meat RBUs as Vice President of Product Business Development for Bakery and Meat, as well as continue to oversee Publix’s store dairy and frozen business and space management areas. Chris Litz will continue to lead Publix’s efforts in the deli, produce, and meals RBUs as Vice President of Product Business Development for Deli and Produce.
With Mowitt’s new responsibilities, Brad Oliver, current Business Development Director of Direct Store Delivery Products, will be promoted to Vice President of Product Business Development for Dry Grocery and Non-Foods in which he will be responsible for overseeing and supporting the dry grocery and non-foods corporate purchasing category management teams. Oliver joined Publix in 1991, and was promoted over the years as well.
Will Publix’s new officer positions continue to bolster Publix’s success and growth? AndNowUKNow will continue to report on the happenings in produce retail.
