Publix VP of fresh to retire, successor named
Publix VP of fresh to retire, successor named
David Bridges, Publix vice president of fresh product business development, will retire Jan. 1, 2016, after 49 years of service to the company. Upon Bridges’s retirement, Chris Litz, Atlanta division regional director, will be promoted to the vacated position.
The position will realign to report to Dave Bornmann, senior vice president. Bornmann currently has responsibility over grocery and customer service business development. The realignment will allow insight across center and perimeter store, as well as frontend operating area impacting the customer shopping experience.
“David has been a dedicated Publix associate and an integral part of the growth of our fresh and meals departments," Publix President Todd Jones said in a press release. "He has a passion for providing premier service to his customers and for the training, development and advancement of his team. We will miss David and wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life."
Bridges’s career began in 1966 in Lakeland, FL, as a front service clerk. By 1981, he was promoted to store manager and in 1987 he became a district manager. In 1994 he was promoted to Lakeland division regional director and to vice president of retail business development in 2000. In 2001 Bridges was named vice president of fresh product business development, where he has served for the last 14 years.
Litz began his Publix career in 1987 in Sarasota, FL, as a stock clerk. He worked various positions before becoming a store manager in 1995 and Lakeland division district manager in 2000. He was promoted to director of warehousing in 2007 and his current position in 2010.
“Chris’s experience in retail and support makes him an ideal candidate for this leadership position,” Ed Crenshaw, chief executive officer, said in the release. “His knowledge of both facets of our operations will continue to move our fresh retail business units forward.”
Litz and his wife, Debbie, will soon be relocating from Atlanta to Lakeland. He enjoys diving, boating and running.