Publix announces six executive promotions for New Year

 LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix on Thursday announced six new officer positions that will begin work in 2013 across human resources, information technology and retail operations. 

“I am pleased we have so many leaders ready to take the next step in their careers,” stated Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “Our ability to promote from within highly talented individuals and perpetuate our Publix culture is a hallmark of our success.”

In retail operations, Chuck Roskovich will become division VP for the Charlotte Division. Roskovich began his Publix career in 1975 as a front-service clerk and spent much of his early career in the meat department. He became a store manager in 1993, district manager in 1995, regional director in 2000, Atlanta division VP in 2008 and SVP product business development in 2011.

“Chuck’s extensive leadership experience and his passion for retail store operations will help make our entry into North Carolina a great success,” Crenshaw said. 

In human resources, Alison Midili-Smith has been named VP talent and organizational development. Midili-Smith began her Publix career in 1996 as manager of selections. She was promoted to director of employment and staffing in 1999 and director of organizational development in 2004. Her areas of responsibility will include associate relations, diversity, policies and procedures, training and leadership development, recruiting and employee assistance programs. 

Midili-Smith graduated from Emory University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and earned her doctorate from University of South Florida in industrial/organizational psychology.

Erik Katenkamp will assume the role of VP information systems — application development. His areas of support responsibility will include merchandising, distribution, manufacturing, pharmacy, risk management, accounting, facilities, real estate, CQA and other support departments. Katenkamp began his Publix career in 1995 as an industrial engineer in the bakery plant. He was promoted to business IT manager in 1999 and director of business application delivery in 2006. Katenkamp graduated from University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

Renee Kelly also has been named VP information systems — application development. Her areas of support responsibility include supply chain/order management, retail operations, payment systems and human resources. Kelly began her Publix career in 1983 as a programmer. She was promoted to business IT manager in 1995, director of business IT alignment in 1997 and director of business application delivery in 2006. Kelly graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

Tom Larson has been named VP information systems — engineering and operations. Larson joined Publix in 2006 as director of IS engineering. His areas of responsibility include engineering, data center operations, telecommunications and support organizations including customer support, network support and technology services. Larson graduated from University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

And Steve Wellslager will be named VP information systems — architecture and security. Wellslager began his Publix career in 1988 as a programmer. He was promoted to application delivery manager in 1996 and director of architecture and engineering in 2006. His areas of responsibility include enterprise architecture and application services, I/S security and compliance, database administration, data warehousing, access management and customer service systems. Wellslager graduated from Florida Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems.