Publix in executive appointments; taps veteran to lead digital efforts
Publix has a new executive focused the company’s omnichannel experience.
Laurie Douglas was appointed chief digital officer. Douglas, who joined the company in 2006, will also continue her responsibilities as the company’s senior VP and CIO.
Prior to joining Publix, she was senior VP/CIO of FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center Inc. Before joining FedEx Kinko’s, she was VP of information and e-business technology at The Home Depot.
Separately, Kevin Murphy will be promoted to president. Murphy is currently Publix’s senior VP of retail operations.
Murphy began his career at Publix in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1995. He continued to move up the corporate ladder, holding positions including Jacksonville Division district manager, Atlanta Division regional director, Miami Division VP, and finally senior VP of retail operations.
In addition, Bob Bechtel, Miami Division VP, will be promoted to VP of customer experience. He will take on responsibilities previously held by Dale Myers, VP of retail business development. Myers is retiring after 44 years with the company.
Bechtel began his career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Sarasota, Florida, and eventually became a store manager. He was later promoted to Lakeland Division district manager and then Lakeland Division regional director, before taking on his current position in 2016.
All appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2019.
Laurie Douglas was appointed chief digital officer. Douglas, who joined the company in 2006, will also continue her responsibilities as the company’s senior VP and CIO.
Prior to joining Publix, she was senior VP/CIO of FedEx Kinko’s Office and Print Center Inc. Before joining FedEx Kinko’s, she was VP of information and e-business technology at The Home Depot.
Separately, Kevin Murphy will be promoted to president. Murphy is currently Publix’s senior VP of retail operations.
Murphy began his career at Publix in 1984 as a front service clerk in Margate, Florida. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 1995. He continued to move up the corporate ladder, holding positions including Jacksonville Division district manager, Atlanta Division regional director, Miami Division VP, and finally senior VP of retail operations.
In addition, Bob Bechtel, Miami Division VP, will be promoted to VP of customer experience. He will take on responsibilities previously held by Dale Myers, VP of retail business development. Myers is retiring after 44 years with the company.
Bechtel began his career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Sarasota, Florida, and eventually became a store manager. He was later promoted to Lakeland Division district manager and then Lakeland Division regional director, before taking on his current position in 2016.
All appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2019.