Publix taps Mark Irby for board of directors

Mark Irby, who recently retired as vice president of marketing at Publix Super Markets, has joined the company’s board of directors.

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix said Irby was elected to the board at its annual stockholders meeting on April 12. The 66-year-old executive retired as the grocer’s marketing vice president at the end of February and was succeed by Malinda Renfroe, previously director of marketing operations. Publix had announced plans for Irby’s retirement and succession in December.

Irby (left) began his career at Publix in 1973 at the sign shop in Lakeland. After serving in various roles within that department, he transferred to the advertising department in 1983 as a marketing and research manager. Then in 1988, he was elevated to director of marketing and advertising, followed by a promotion to vice president of marketing in 1989. 

“We congratulate Mark on his election to the board,” Ed Crenshaw, chairman and former CEO of Publix, said in a statement. “His extensive experience in helping build and promote our Publix brand will bring a valuable perspective.”

Also at the annual shareholders meeting, Publix CEO Todd Jones announced the creation of the Carol Jenkins Barnett and Publix Community Service Scholarship. Jenkins Barnett (left), the former chair and president of Publix Super Markets Charities, and the daughter of late company founder George W. Jenkins, died on Dec. 7 at age 65 following an extended illness.

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Starting in the fall 2023 semester, two Publix associates commencing their freshman year of college will each be awarded $5,000 toward their education. Among other criteria, the selected recipients exhibit a passion for community service, Publix said, adding that more information on the application process will be release early next year.

Born and raised in Lakeland, Jenkins Barnett started at Publix in 1972 as a cashier and later worked in the corporate marketing research and development department. She was elected to the Publix board in 1983, serving as a director for 33 years. Also in 1983, she joined the board of the company’s foundation, later named Publix Super Markets Charities, and was appointed chair in 1989 and then president two years later.

“Whether it was advocating to improve education, especially for young children, or serving the less fortunate, Carol made a lasting impact on so many,” Jones stated. “As a company, this scholarship is a way to remember Carol’s life and legacy of service.”

Overall, employee-owned Publix has more than 230,000 associates and operates 1,296 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.

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