A new ‘fresh’ era begins at Publix

An executive who played a key role in helping Publix deliver on its “where shopping is a pleasure” brand promise has stepped down after nearly half a century with one of the nation’s best supermarket operators.



David Bridges, VP of fresh product business development at Publix will retire effective Jan. 1, 2016 and his role will be filled by Chris Litz who currently serves as a regional director of Publix Atlanta Division.



Bridges’s career at Publix began in 1966 when the retailer had roughly 100 stores and its operations were concentrated in Florida. He began at a store in the retailer’s hometown of Lakeland, Florida, as a front service clerk. He became a store manager in 1981 and in 1987 he became a district manager. In 1994 he was promoted to Lakeland Division regional director and to vice president of retail business development in 2000. The following year he was named to the role of VP of fresh product business development, a position he held for the past 14 years. Today, Publix operates roughly 1,100 stores across six states.



“David (Bridges) has been a dedicated Publix associate and an integral part of the growth of our fresh and meals departments. He has a passion for providing premier service to his customers and for the training, development and advancement of his team. We will miss David and wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life,” said Publix president Todd Jones.



Bridges’ successor, Chris Litz, joined Publix in 1987 as a store clerk. He became a store manager in 1995 and Lakeland Division district manager in 2000. He was promoted to director of warehousing in 2007 and his current position in 2010.



“Chris’s experience in retail and support makes him an ideal candidate for this leadership position,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “His knowledge of both facets of our operations will continue to move our fresh retail business units forward.”



Litz will report to senior VP Dave Bornmann who has responsibility for grocery and customer service business development, which Publix says allows for insight across the center and perimeter of the store and the front end operations.