Publix Lakeland Division VP Sam Pero to retire after 45 years

Publix Super Markets Lakeland Division VP Sam Pero plans to retire after 45 years with the company, the Florida-based grocery retailer announced Wednesday. Pero will retire at the end of the year. Marsha Singh has been promoted to succeed Pero.

Pero, 60, joined Publix in 1977 as a part-time front-service clerk in Pembroke Pines, Florida. After working in various retail positions in the company, Pero was promoted to store manager in 1987 and Lakeland Division district manager in 1994. In 2005, he was promoted to Jacksonville Division regional director and in 2016 to his current position.

Recognized for perpetuating diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Pero received the company’s President’s Award in 1999.

Pero and his wife, Marcy, will remain in the Orlando area and are looking forward to spending more time with family and traveling, the company said in a statement.  

“Sam has been an energetic leader, having made significant contributions in three of our five divisions,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy, in a statement. “He has been responsible for growing and serving our diverse market area. In his 45 years, he has trained and mentored countless associates and has been committed to serving his customers and communities in times of need. We are thankful for Sam’s leadership and wish him a happy retirement.” 

Following Pero’s end-of-year retirement, Singh, who also has had a long career with the grocery retailer, will assume the position. Singh, 48, joined Publix in 1993 as a part-time cashier in Palm Bay, Florida. After working in multiple retail positions, she became a store manager in 2008 in Orlando and district manager in the Jacksonville Division in 2015. She was promoted to regional director in the Lakeland Division in 2018. Singh received the company’s 2017 President’s Award for perpetuating diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

“Marsha is a dynamic leader who focuses on coaching, training and developing associates,” said Murphy. “She has made a positive impact on the lives of those around her by helping them achieve their personal best. She is also focused on operational excellence and continuous quality improvement. Marsha is a great merchant who is passionate about service. I am proud of what she has been able to accomplish so far and excited to see the contributions she will continue to make at Publix.”   

Singh and her husband, Neil, will relocate to Lakeland, Florida, where the grocer is headquartered.

Publix is one of the country's largest employee-owned grocers, with more than 240,000 associates on its payroll. The grocery retailer operates 1,313 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.