Publix CEO Kevin Murphy announced officer promotions effective Jan. 1, 2027, and the retirement of Senior Vice President of Industrial Operations Mike Smith.

Smith plans to retire at the end of the year after 43 years of dedicated service. With Smith’s retirement, Vice President of Distribution and Transportation Mike Lester will be promoted to senior vice president of industrial operations, and Director of Transportation and Maintenance James Sadler will be promoted to vice president of distribution and transportation.

The company also announced that Vice President of Finance Doug Stalbaum will be promoted to senior vice president of finance.

“Mike Smith’s 43 years of dedicated service have had a lasting impact on Publix. His commitment to operational excellence, safety, efficiency and developing others has helped strengthen our company and prepare the next generation of leaders. We are grateful for all Mike has contributed and wish him the very best in retirement,” said Murphy. “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.”

About Smith

Smith, 67, began his Publix career in 1983 as a rail dock associate. He advanced to shipping and receiving manager in 1988, senior purchasing analyst in 1991 and manager of manufacturing supply purchasing in 1993. He was named director of deli and bakery manufacturing in 2001, director of fresh product manufacturing in 2004 and vice president of manufacturing in 2005. In 2013, he was promoted to senior vice president of industrial operations. He is a recipient of the 2003 George W. Jenkins Award and the 2008 President’s Award.

About Lester

Lester, 61, began his Publix career in 1983 at the Lakeland frozen food warehouse. After serving in various positions, he was named Orlando warehouse superintendent in 2000, Orlando distribution manager in 2008 and director of warehousing in 2014. In 2019, he was promoted to his current role as vice president of distribution and transportation.

About Sadler

Sadler, 54, began his Publix career in 1988 at the Lakeland dairy warehouse. He advanced to supervisor in 1994, manager of warehouse operations in 2016 and director of warehousing in 2019. In 2021, he was promoted to his current role as director of transportation and maintenance. He is a recipient of the 2025 George W. Jenkins Award.

About Stalbaum

Stalbaum, 47, joined Publix in 2019 as director of business analysis and reporting. In 2022, he was named vice president and controller and was promoted in 2025 to his current role as vice president of finance.

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. For 29 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.

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