Publix's executive chairman to step down

Publix Super Markets Executive Chairman and former CEO Todd Jones is retiring from the company after 46 years but will stay on as chairman of the board.

The Lakeland grocer announced Monday that Jones’ final day in his current role is May 31.

Courtesy image

Jones, according to an official bio, started at Publix in 1980 as a bag boy at a store in New Smyrna Beach. Over the years he worked a variety of jobs before becoming a store manager in 1988.

About nine years later, in 1997, he was promoted to district manager with several more promotions following soon after — to regional director in 1999 and to vice president of the Jacksonville Division in 2003.

In 2005, he was promoted to senior vice president of product business development; then president in 2008; CEO and president in 2016; CEO in 2019; and executive chairman in 2024.

“We celebrate Todd's 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” Publix’s current CEO Kevin Murphy says in a statement.

“In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact.”

Publix, according to its website, has 1,433 stores in eight states. Of those, 890 are in Florida. It had $62.7 billion in retail sales last year and employs more than 260,000 people.