LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix Super Markets CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement of two executives and the promotion of two new executives effective January 1, 2025.
After 46 years of dedicated service, Randy Barber, Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing, has announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.
Additionally, after more than 10 years of dedicated service, Vice President of Facilities Bob McGarrity also announced his decision to retire at the end of 2024.
“Thanks to Randy, who oversees our non-retail locations and is instrumental in ensuring our retail and industrial operations have the equipment, supplies and packaging materials they need to operate at peak performance, we are better than ever. For more than 40 years, he has shared his passion for Publix and his vast knowledge of industrial operations with our team,” Murphy said. “Bob’s commitment to the design, construction and maintenance of our stores and facilities continues to enhance our customers’ shopping experience. He perpetuates our culture of working together to achieve common goals. We thank Randy and Bob for their years of dedicated service and the guidance they provided to countless employees. We wish them well in their retirement. .”
In conjunction with Mr. Barber’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of John Fisher, Director of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing, to Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing.
In conjunction with McGarrity’s departure, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Architect Program Manager Dave Taulbee to Vice President of Facilities.
“Preparing talented leaders for the next step in their careers at Publix is critical to our company’s future success,” Murphy said. “As our company continues to grow, we need leaders like John and Dave who are focused on delivering the best experience for our customers and employees. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions. looking forward to it.”
About the barber
Mr. Barber, 62, began his career with Publix in 1978 as a front desk clerk in Lakeland, Florida. He moved to Lakeland Dairy in 1982 where he held various positions and was promoted to Manager of Supplies Purchasing in 2001. In 2009, he was appointed Lakeland Dairy Plant General Manager. In 2013, he was promoted to Director of Industrial Maintenance. He has held his current position since 2018. Barber and his wife Sharon remain in Lakeland. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, fishing, and auto racing.
About Fisher
Fisher, 53, began his career with Publix in 2006 as a senior facilities engineer in Lakeland, Florida. He was promoted to Director of Industrial Maintenance in 2021 and assumed his current role earlier this year. Fisher and his wife Jennifer will continue to reside in Lithia, Florida.
About McGarity
Mr. McGarrity, 63, joined Publix in 2012 as construction director in Lakeland, Florida. He was promoted to his current position in 2017. McGarity and his wife, Lisa, remain in Valico, Florida. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.
About Talby
Taulbee, 61, began his career at Publix in 2001 as a store design architect in Lakeland, Florida. In 2005, he was promoted to Architect Manager and assumed his current role in 2021. Tolby and his wife Nicole will continue to reside in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Publix is the largest employee-owned company in the United States with more than 255,000 employees and currently operates 1,379 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. We’ve been recognized by Fortune as a Great Place to Work for 27 years in a row. Additionally, Publix’s commitment to superior quality and customer service has earned us recognition as a top company in the grocery industry. For more information, please visit our newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.
