Publix names new officers

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Friday named four new officer positions effective April 1. The new officer positions are in corporate purchasing and manufacturing, the grocer reported.

“I am very proud that we continue to have talented associates who are ready to assume higher leadership roles in our organization,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our ability to promote from within is one of the ways we are able to perpetuate our Publix culture.”

In corporate purchasing, Dave Bornmann will be promoted to SVP. In this senior leadership role, the following positions will report to him: VP grocery/non-foods, VP retail business development, director of corporate purchasing support and director of emerging business.

Bornmann began his career at Publix in 1983 as a computer programmer. He was promoted to strategic project manager in 1992 and business development manager for dairy, processed meats and DSD items in 1994. In 1998, he was promoted to his current position of VP grocery/non-foods. Bornmann earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and qualitative analysis and a masters in business administration from University of Florida.

With Bornmann’s promotion to SVP, Pete Mowitt will be promoted to VP grocery/non-foods. Mowitt began his career at Publix as a part-time grocery clerk and was promoted to second assistant manager in 1984, assistant store manager in 1987, store manager in 1991, district manager in 1995 and director of merchandising in 1998. In 2000, he was promoted to his current role as business development director of grocery. Mowitt earned his bachelor’s degree in history from University of Florida.

In manufacturing, Mike Smith will be promoted to SVP. In this senior leadership role, the following positions will report to him: VP manufacturing, VP distribution and director manufacturing supply purchasing.

Smith began his career at Publix as a rail dock associate and was promoted to shipping/receiving manager in 1988, senior purchasing analyst in 1991, manager of manufacturing supply purchasing in 1993, director of deli and bakery manufacturing in 2001 and director of fresh product manufacturing in 2004. In 2005, he was promoted to his current role as VP manufacturing. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Murray State University.

With Smith’s promotion to SVP, Jeff Stephens will be promoted to VP manufacturing. Stephens began his career at Publix as a rail dock associate. He was promoted to lab technician in the dairy plant in 1983, quality control foreman in 1986, quality control manager in 1988, general manager of dairy plant in 2000 and director of fresh product manufacturing in 2005. In 2010, he was promoted to his current role of director of manufacturing operations. Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from University of South Florida.