Publix Names Kris Jonczyk to Succeed Retiring Atlanta Division VP Joe DiBenedetto

Publix Super Markets has announced that Kris Jonczyk will be its new Atlanta Division VP, effective Jan. 1. Jonczyk will succeed Joe DiBenedetto, who is retiring.

Jonczyk, 49, began his Publix career in 1986 as a front service clerk in Tequesta, Fla. He became a store manager in 2000 and a district manager in 2012. He was promoted to regional director of the Atlanta Division in 2016. Jonczyk, and his wife, Cammie, will relocate to Atlanta.

DiBenedetto, 60, began his Publix career in 1975 as a front service clerk in Cape Coral, Fla., and worked for the Lakeland, Fla.-based retailer for 44 years. After working in different capacities at several stores in southwest Florida and Orlando, he was promoted to store manager in 1986 and district manager in 1992, and later was the retailer's first district manager in South Carolina. He was promoted to regional director of the Atlanta Division in 1995, and to his current position in 2011.

“Joe has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of our Atlanta Division,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy. “Throughout his career, Joe has worked to develop leaders for future opportunities. We wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life.”

Of Jonczyk, Murphy said, “Kris is a strong operational leader who is committed to training and developing associates. We are excited that he is ready to take the next step in his career.”

Privately-owned Publix has more than 1,200 stores across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, and it has continued to expand with additional stores throughout 2019.