Todd Jones announced plans to retire as executive chairman of Publix Super Markets effective May 31, the company said Monday, concluding a 46-year career that saw him overseeing the company’s strategic direction during his tenure.
Jones will remain active with the company as chairman of its board of directors. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Murphy said Jones’ tenure was marked by operational leadership, mentorship and a long-standing commitment to the company’s mission.
Jones joined Publix in 1980 as a front-service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and advanced through a range of store-level roles before being named store manager in 1988. He moved into senior leadership over the following decades, serving as district manager in 1997, regional director in 1999 and vice president of the Jacksonville Division in 2003.
He was promoted to senior vice president of product business development in 2005, then to president in 2008. Jones became CEO and president in 2016, transitioned to CEO in 2019 and was named executive chairman in 2024. He succeeded founder George Jenkins’ vision of customer service and employee ownership, which he cited as central to the company’s direction.
“We celebrate Todd’s 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact. We are grateful he will continue to provide leadership to Publix as our chairman.”
During his leadership, Publix expanded its community and sustainability initiatives, including food donation programs that the company said surpassed 1 billion pounds of donated food in 2025. Jones also served on industry and civic boards, including FMI.
Publix said Jones will continue to provide strategic guidance in his role as board chairman following his retirement from day-to-day responsibilities.
Publix Super Markets recently reported a 2% increase in first-quarter sales, rising to $16.1 billion for the period ended March 28 from $15.8 billion a year earlier, while comparable-store sales were flat.
Net earnings declined 21.5% to $794 million, down from $1 billion in the prior-year quarter. The company attributed the softer top-line growth in part to Medicare pricing changes that lowered the cost of 10 prescription drugs beginning Jan. 1, weighing on pharmacy sales.
