LAKELAND, FL – After 42 years, Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw will be retiring from the privately-owned grocer and passing the torch on to current President Todd Jones., effective April 30, 2016.

“I’ve been privileged to lead what could quite possibly be the best company in the world,” Crenshaw said in a statement. “The time has come to turn over the reins, and I am pleased to have a leader with the experience of Todd who is ready to take the next step in his career. I am confident in his ability to lead our company into the future and to continue to make Publix a great place for both customers and associates.”

Effective May 3, 2016, Crenshaw will be named Chairman of the Board. Charlie Jenkins Jr., the current Chairman of the Board, will become Chairman Emeritus.

Before being named CEO in 2008, Crenshaw had a diverse, yet successful career with Publix. He started as a front-service clerk in 1974 and was eventually promoted to Director of Retail Operations for the Lakeland Division in 1984. He then served as Vice President of the Lakeland Division in 1990, and in 1991, was appointed Division Vice President in Atlanta. He was promoted to Executive Vice President of Retail in 1994 and to President in 1996 and, twelve years later, was appointed as CEO. 

After Crenshaw’s retirement, Todd Jones, a 26-year company employee and current President, will take over as President and CEO.

Jones began his career in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. He was later promoted to Store Manager in 1988, District Manager in 1997, Regional Director in 1999, and Vice President of the Jacksonville Division in 2003. In 2005, he was promoted to Senior Vice President of Product Business Development, and later became President in 2008.

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