Here are some highlights from our leaders’ presentations at this year’s ROC.
President
John Goff
On leading our company into the future
“We all have to be … the leader who elevates those around them. The future of Publix is in our hands. We’re the team that is responsible for continuing our legacy.”
Senior Vice President of Retail Operations
Norman Badger
On operational excellence
“When everyone understands their part, it’s often reflected in better in-stock position, quality products and premier service. … For 95 years, making sure Publix continues to be a great place to work and shop has been the responsibility of every associate who has walked through our doors.”
Vice President of Associate Experience
Marcy Benton
On how we treat each other
“Almost all of us have felt the steady hand of someone who helped us in our time of need or believed in us, challenged us and helped us grow. Just as Mr. George started investing in others 95 years ago, we carry that legacy forward by investing in each other.”
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer & Chief Digital Officer
Laurie Douglas
On artificial intelligence (AI)
“We’re now delivering a variety of AI-enabled solutions to provide you with faster and easier access to relevant information, streamline and automate tasks to boost productivity, and enhance the overall experience for our customers and associates.”
Vice President of Customer Experience
David Finger
On connecting with our customers
“As we continue investing in innovative solutions … it’s important to remember what truly sets us apart: our associates. Not only do customers want speedy service, but they also enjoy interacting with our associates.”
Vice President of Replenishment and Purchasing Support
Chris Haake
On having the right forecasts for inventory
“Serving our customers and supporting our associates also means knowing our inventory, anticipating needs and planning ahead. … We are currently transitioning to an AI-integrated system that will improve the accuracy of our projections, moving from weekly forecasts to daily ones.”
Vice President of Omnichannel & Application Development
Erik Katenkamp
On our delivery and curbside offerings
“Our omnichannel services continue to exceed expectations. Just like our core business, our focus is to provide a great customer experience. Since delivery and curbside are all about convenience, that means filling orders quickly, accurately and on time.”
Vice President of Information Systems Application Development
Renee Kelly
On the agility of our new POS and Payments systems
“Having our own POS and Payments systems makes it faster and easier to add more features to meet changing customer expectations and evolving business requirements. New features are added in weeks to months … versus a year or more for the current vendor system.”
Senior Vice President of Product Business Development
Brad Oliver
On each associate’s voice
“Every improvement starts with someone who speaks up with suggestions, and every breakthrough begins with someone who listens. … Your voices make a real difference, and that’s what drives us forward.”
Vice President of Product Business Development for Fresh Products
Lee Revis
On our fresh products
“It’s vital that we maintain the difference that our customers have come to expect with our fresh products. It’s special to the Publix brand, and we have unique products that customers come to us to find.”
Vice President of Product Business Development for Grocery
Chris Shaw
On improvements to the New Item Promotion program
“Every item featured is now on sale for the full duration of the program, ensuring consistency and value throughout the month. This improvement helps our associates confidently promote new products and gives customers a reason to explore and try something new.”
Vice President of Information Systems Technology and Security
Steve Wellslager
On incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)
“We’ve been laying the foundation for infusing AI into the applications and solutions that associates use every day. … We built our own AI platform called Aurora … and designed it in a way that we can be confident it’s keeping our Publix data safe.”
