Publix announces VP retirements, names successors
Changes are coming to the leadership team at Publix Super Markets.
Randy Barber, VP of industrial maintenance and industrial operations, will retire after 46 years with the Florida-based grocer, along with Bob McGarrity, VP of facilities, who will retire after more than a decade with the company. Both retirements will be effective Jan. 1, 2025.
“Randy’s dedication to overseeing our non-retail locations and ensuring retail and industrial operations have the equipment, supplies and packaging needed to operate at peak performance has made us a better company” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy, who took over in the position at the start of this year. “Bob’s commitment to the design, construction and maintenance of our stores and equipment has continued to enhance the shopping experience for our customers. He’s perpetuated our culture of working together to accomplish a common goal. We are grateful for Randy’s and Bob’s years of dedicated service and the mentorship they have given to countless associates. We wish them well in their retirement.”
Publix has announced two VP promotions that will fill the retirement vacancies. With Barber’s retirement, the grocer has promoted John Fisher, director of industrial maintenance and industrial operations purchasing, to VP of industrial maintenance and industrial operations purchasing. Fisher began his Publix career in 2006 as a senior facilities engineer. In 2021, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance, and to his current role earlier this year.
With McGarrity’s retirement, Publix has promoted Dave Taulbee, architect program manager, to VP of facilities. He began his Publix career in 2001 as a store design architect. In 2005, Taulbee was promoted to architect manager, and he stepped into his current role in 2021.
“Preparing talented leaders for the next step in their Publix careers is important to our future success,” said Murphy. “As we continue to grow, we need leaders like John and Dave who are focused on providing the best experience for our customers and associates. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions.”
Publix operates 1,379 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.
