Publix shuffles executives as three officers retire
Publix Super Markets is promoting eight executives as three other company leaders retire.
Mike Smith, 67, senior VP of industrial operations at Publix, plans to retire at the end of the year after 43 years with the company. Renee Kelly, 65, VP of IS application development, also plans to retire at the end of the year after 43 years of service and Steve Wellslager, 60, VP of IS technology and security, retired at the end of August after 38 years with the company.
As a result of these retirements, the company is announcing promotions in its industrial operations, technology and finance organizations:
Industrial operations
With Smith’s retirement, Mike Lester, 61, VP of distribution and transportation, will be promoted to take Smith’s position. James Sadler, director of transportation and maintenance, will be promoted to fill Lester’s role as VP of distribution and transportation. Both promotions will be effective as Friday, Jan. 1, 2027.
“Mike Smith’s 43 years of dedicated service have had a lasting impact on Publix,” said Kevin Murphy, CEO of Publix. “His commitment to operational excellence, safety, efficiency and developing others has helped strengthen our company and prepare the next generation of leaders. Mike Lester, James and Doug have each made meaningful contributions throughout their careers, and we are confident their leadership will help us continue strengthening our operations and positioning Publix for long-term growth.”
Technology
Laurie Douglas, 63, will be promoted to executive VP, chief information and digital officer. Erik Katenkamp, 55, VP of omnichannel and application development, will be promoted to senior VP of IS development, omnichannel, data and AI. Senior IT directors Vlad Ali, 53, Christian Bain, 54, Steve Brooks, 60, and Sunil Singh, 54, will be promoted to vice presidents of IS development.
In addition, Mark Roberts, 56, senior IT director, will be promoted to VP of IT services and engineering. All promotions take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
“Renee and Steve have each played an important role in advancing our information systems organization and shaping the technology capabilities that support our company,” said Murphy. “Under Laurie and Erik’s leadership, Vlad, Christian, Steve, Sunil and Mark are ready to take on expanded responsibilities and help guide the continued advancement of our technology and digital capabilities while delivering solutions that support our operations and serve our customers and associates.”
Finance
Doug Stalbaum, 54, VP of finance will be promoted to senior vice president of finance effective Jan. 1, 2027.
[READ MORE: Executive chairman of Publix to step down]
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 260,000 associates, currently operates 1,446 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky.
