Adrian Bennett has been named vice president of the Jacksonville (Fla.) division at Publix Super Markets, succeeding Scott Brubaker, who is retiring.
Plans call for Brubaker to retire at the end of June, Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix said Monday. Bennett currently serves as regional director for the Jacksonville division.
Brubaker (left), 62, started at Publix in 1975 as a part-time front-service clerk in Melbourne, Fla. After working in various positions at several stores in Florida, he was promoted to store manager in 1987 and district manager in 1994. He became to regional director in 1997 and was elevated to his current position in 2005.
“Scott has made significant contributions to Publix, particularly in growing and serving a diverse market area,” Publix President Kevin Murphy said in a statement. “He was instrumental in leading new market growth in Alabama and areas in northern Florida. In his 46 years, he has trained and mentored many associates and provided unwavering guidance to his team and community in times of need. We are thankful for Scott’s leadership and wish him a happy retirement.”
Publix said Bennett (left), 51, is relocating to Jacksonville with his promotion. He began his Publix career in 1991 as a part-time grocery clerk in Savannah, Ga., and became a store manager in 2000 and then a district manager in 2006. He was promoted to regional director in the Jacksonville division in 2016. Publix noted that Bennett received the 2013 President’s Award for embodying the company’s founding philosophies.
“Adrian is a strong, well-rounded leader who has dedicated his career to operational excellence and continuous quality improvement. He has made a positive impact by mentoring and developing his team and associates around him so they can achieve their personal best,” Murphy commented. “He is a great merchant who is passionate about service. I am proud of what he has been able to accomplish so far and excited to see the contributions he will continue to make at Publix.”
Overall, Publix operates 1,269 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
