Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix Super Markets says Vice President of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing Randy Barber and Vice President of Facilities Bob McGarrity will be retiring a year’s end.
“Randy’s dedication to overseeing our non-retail locations and ensuring retail and industrial operations have the equipment, supplies and packaging needed to operate at peak performance has made us a better company,” Publix CEO Kevin Murphy said in a news release. “He’s shared his passion for Publix and his vast knowledge of industrial operations with his teams for over four decades.
“Bob’s commitment to the design, construction and maintenance of our stores and equipment has continued to enhance the shopping experience for our customers,” Murphy added. “He’s perpetuated our culture of working together to accomplish a common goal. We are grateful for Randy’s and Bob’s years of dedicated service and the mentorship they have given to countless associates. We wish them well in their retirements.”
With Barber’s retirement after 46 years of service, Publix says it is promoting of Director of Industrial Maintenance and Industrial Operations Purchasing John Fisher to vice president of industrial maintenance and industrial operations purchasing. Following McGarrity’s retirement after more than a decade of service, Publix Architect Program Manager Dave Taulbee will be promoted to vice president of facilities.
“Preparing talented leaders for the next step in their Publix careers is important to our future success,” Murphy said. “As we continue to grow, we need leaders like John and Dave who are focused on providing the best experience for our customers and associates. I am proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their future contributions.”
Barber, 62, began his Publix career in 1978 as a front service clerk in Lakeland. He transferred to the Lakeland dairy plant in 1982, where he held various positions before being promoted to category manager of supplies purchasing in 2001. In 2009, he was named Lakeland dairy plant general manager; in 2013, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance. He has been serving in his current role since 2018.
Fisher, 53, began his Publix career in 2006 as a senior facilities engineer in Lakeland. In 2021, he was promoted to director of industrial maintenance and to his current role earlier this year.
McGarrity, 63, joined Publix in 2012 as director of construction in Lakeland. He was promoted to his current role in 2017.
Taulbee, 61, began his Publix career in 2001 as a store design architect in Lakeland. In 2005, he was promoted to architect manager and to his current role in 2021.
