Publix fresh VP Bridges to retire; Litz promoted
Publix said Thursday that David Bridges, VP of fresh product business development, announced his decision to retire Jan. 1, after 49 years of service to the company.
October 8, 2015
Publix Super Markets said Thursday that David Bridges, VP of fresh product business development, announced his decision to retire Jan. 1, after 49 years of service to the company.
Bridges’s career began in 1966 at store #0011, Lakeland, Fla., as a front service clerk. By 1981, he was promoted to store manager and in 1987 he became a district manager. In 1994 he was promoted to Lakeland Division regional director and to VP of retail business development in 2000. In 2001 Bridges was named to his current post, where he has served for the last 14 years.
“David has been a dedicated Publix associate and an integral part of the growth of our fresh and meals departments,” Publix president Todd Jones said. “He has a passion for providing premier service to his customers and for the training, development and advancement of his team. We will miss David and wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life."
Upon Bridges’s retirement, Atlanta Division regional director Chris Litz will be promoted to VP of of fresh product business development. Litz began his Publix career in 1987 at store #0123, in Sarasota, Fla., as a stock clerk. He worked various positions before becoming a store manager in 1995 and Lakeland Division district manager in 2000. He was promoted to director of warehousing in 2007 and his current position in 2010.
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“Chris’s experience in retail and support makes him an ideal candidate for this leadership position,” said CEO Ed Crenshaw. “His knowledge of both facets of our operations will continue to move our fresh retail business units forward.” Chris and his wife, Debbie, will soon be relocating from Atlanta to Lakeland.
At the same time, this position will realign to report to SVP Dave Bornmann. Bornmann currently has responsibility over grocery and customer service business development. The realignment will allow insight across center and perimeter store, as well as frontend operating area impacting the customer shopping experience.