Crenshaw to retire as Publix CEO

Publix Super Markets on Wednesday said CEO Ed Crenshaw will retire April 30, at which time Todd Jones will take over as CEO.

Crenshaw, a grandson of Publix founder George Jenkins, has served 42 years at Publix, and as its CEO since 2008. He will remain a member of the retailer's board of directors and will become board chairman in May.

Charlie Jenkins Jr., the current board chairman, will become chairman emeritus at that time, Publix said.

Ed Crenshaw

Todd Jones

“The board of directors is grateful for Ed’s 42 years of dedicated service to Publix, our associates and the communities we serve,” Jenkins said. “He’s been a strong leader keenly focused on our continued growth in current and new markets and committed to the development and promotion of our associates. He’s provided invaluable insights to our industry, serving on numerous boards. The board looks forward to working with Ed to continue the success of Publix.”

Crenshaw began his Publix career in 1974 as a front-service clerk in Lake Wales, Fla. After working in a variety of retail and support positions, he was promoted to director of retail operations for the Lakeland Division in 1984. In 1990, he became VP of the Lakeland Division and was elected to the board of directors. In 1991, Crenshaw moved to Atlanta to start the Atlanta Division as division VP. He was promoted to EVP of retail in 1994 and to president in 1996. He was named CEO in 2008.

Jones, who was promoted to president of Publix in 2008, will serve as president and CEO. He began his career in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. He worked in a variety of store positions before becoming a store manager in 1988. He was promoted to district manager in 1997, regional director in 1999 and VP of the Jacksonville Division in 2003. In 2005, Jones was promoted to SVP of product business development.

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“I’ve been privileged to lead what could quite possibly be the best company in the world,” Crenshaw said. “Company ownership provides our associates amazing opportunities and with that comes the responsibility to continue to grow our company and invest in each other. 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.”

Publix, based in Lakeland, Fla., is privately owned and operated by its 180,000 employees, with 2014 sales of $30.6 billion. Publix operates 1,113 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. The company has been named one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 18 consecutive years.