Publix names CEO Kevin Murphy to its board, Jenkins and Crenmshaw retire

During its annual meeting of stockholders Tuesday, Publix stockholders elected Publix CEO Kevin Murphy to the Publix board of directors. Howard Jenkins and Ed Crenshaw also retired from the board. 

During the meeting, Publix Executive Chairman Todd Jones highlighted the contributions of both Jenkins and Crenshaw and announced the Publix board had named each Chairman Emeritus.

“On behalf of Publix associates and stockholders, I thank Howard and Ed for their years of dedicated service and their role in the growth and success of Publix,” said Jones. “We will continue to build on their efforts to move Publix forward while staying true to our founder’s philosophy to operate the best stores possible, where shopping and working would always be a pleasure.”

Murphy, 54, began his career in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Florida. He worked in various positions before becoming a store manager in 1995. He was promoted to district manager in 2003, regional director in 2009, and vice president of the Miami Division in 2014. In 2016, Murphy was promoted to senior vice president of retail operations. He was named president in 2019 and was promoted to his current position earlier this year. Murphy is also a recipient of the 2000 George W. Jenkins Award and 2007 President’s Award, Publix’s two most prestigious awards. 

Jenkins, 73, has served on the board for 47 years. During his time on the board, he held the positions of director, chairman of the executive committee and chairman. He also served as Publix’s CEO from 1990 to 2001. 

Crenshaw, 73, has served on the board for 34 years. During his time on the board, he held the positions of director, chairman of the executive committee and chairman. He also served as Publix’s CEO from 2008 to 2016.