Last updated on December 13th, 2024
After 48 years of service, Publix Super Markets’ VP of Marketing Mark Irby has announced his decision to retire at the end of February.
Irby, 66, began his Publix career in 1973 at the sign shop in Lakeland, Florida. After working in various capacities within that department, in 1983, he transferred into the advertising department as a marketing and research manager. In 1988, he was promoted to director of marketing and advertising and to his current role in 1989.
“Mark’s dedication to helping build, promote, protect and bring to life the Publix brand has made us a better company,” said Publix President Kevin Murphy. “He’s given meaning to our ‘Where Shopping Is A Pleasure’ slogan and shaped opportunities for customers to connect with us in authentic ways, creating memorable moments with ‘my Publix’ stories. He’s made our brand a part of the fabric of our communities, building loyal and raving fans in existing markets and introducing us in new areas. We are grateful for all his years of dedicated service.”
Irby and his wife, Debbie, will remain in Lakeland, and are looking forward to spending more time with family, friends and pursuing personal interests.
With Irby’s retirement, Publix announced the promotion of Malinda Renfroe to VP of marketing.
Renfroe, 42, began her Publix career in 2005 as a marketing support associate in Lakeland. She became a field marketing coordinator in 2006, category marketing manager in 2010 and manager of marketing brand management in 2016. She was promoted to her current role of director of marketing operations in 2019.
“Malinda is a strong leader with extensive experience across all marketing functions,” said Murphy. “Her ability to foster collaboration and team building, along with her passion for developing associates, will be instrumental as she takes this next step in her Publix career. We are excited to see the contributions she’ll continue to make in her new role.”
Renfroe, and her husband, Jason, reside in Lakeland.
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 225,000 associates, currently operates 1,294 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
For more information, visit the company’s website, corporate.publix.com.
