Publix Names Malinda Renfroe VP of Marketing

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix has appointed Malinda Renfroe to VP of marketing. Mark Irby, current VP of marketing, will retire at the end of February, the company said.

Renfroe, 42, began her Publix career in 2005 as a marketing support associate. She became a field marketing coordinator in 2006, category marketing manager in 2010 and manager of marketing brand management in 2016. She was promoted to her current role of director of marketing operations in 2019.

Malinda Renfroe

“Malinda is a strong leader with extensive experience across all marketing functions,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy in a statement. “Her ability to foster collaboration and team building, along with her passion for developing associates, will be instrumental as she takes this next step in her Publix career. We are excited to see the contributions she’ll continue to make in her new role.”

The transition in leadership comes after Irby’s 48 years of service to the supermarket retailer. Irby, 66, began his Publix career in 1973 at the sign shop in Lakeland, Fla. After working in various capacities within that department, in 1983, he transferred into the advertising department as a marketing and research manager. In 1988, he was promoted to director of marketing and advertising and to his current role in 1989.

“Mark’s dedication to helping build, promote, protect and bring to life the Publix brand has made us a better company,” said Murphy. “He’s given meaning to our ‘Where Shopping Is a Pleasure’ slogan and shaped opportunities for customers to connect with us in authentic ways, creating memorable moments with ‘My Publix’ stories. He’s made our brand a part of the fabric of our communities, building loyal and raving fans in existing markets and introducing us in new areas. We are grateful for all his years of dedicated service.”