PUBLIX'S HOLLIS HANDS OVER TORCH

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Publix Super Markets here said W.E. (Ed) Crenshaw succeeded Mark C. Hollis as president of the company, effective Jan. 1. The move had been expected.

Publix said it does not plan to name a successor to that position. Hollis, who has been with Publix nearly 50 years, had been president of the chain since August 1984. During his tenure of nearly 11-1/2 years, the company grew from 276 stores and sales of $3.2 billion to 506 stores -- 440 in Florida, 55 in Georgia and 11 in South Carolina -- with sales of $9.5 billion. The company disclosed its plans for Crenshaw to become president last May. At that time, Hollis told SN his decision to step down as president was prompted partly by his desire to work part time at Publix in his new role while pursuing other opportunities.

Crenshaw has been with Publix since 1974. He told SN last year that Hollis' position as vice chairman will be an extremely important one to the company.