Publix Lakeland Division vice president to retire; new vice president announced

LAKELAND, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--After 45 years of dedicated service, Publix Super Markets Lakeland Division Vice President Sam Pero has announced his decision to retire at the end of this year.

Pero, 60, began his Publix career in 1977 as a part-time front service clerk in Pembroke Pines, Florida. After working in various retail positions, he was promoted to store manager in 1987 and Lakeland Division district manager in 1994. He was promoted to Jacksonville Division regional director in 2005 and to his current position in 2016. Pero received the 1999 President’s Award for perpetuating diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Publix President Kevin Murphy said, “Sam has been an energetic leader having made significant contributions in three of our five divisions. He has been responsible for growing and serving our diverse market area. In his 45 years, he has trained and mentored countless associates and has been committed to serving his customers and communities in times of need. We are thankful for Sam’s leadership and wish him a happy retirement.”

Pero and his wife, Marcy, will remain in the Orlando, Florida, area and are looking forward to spending more time with family and traveling.

With Pero’s retirement, Publix is pleased to announce the promotion of Marsha Singh to Lakeland Division vice president.

Singh, 48, began her Publix career in 1993 as a part-time cashier in Palm Bay, Florida. After working in various retail positions, she became a store manager in 2008 in Orlando and district manager in the Jacksonville Division in 2015. She was promoted to regional director in the Lakeland Division in 2018. Singh received the 2017 President’s Award for perpetuating diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“Marsha is a dynamic leader who focuses on coaching, training and developing associates,” said Murphy. “She has made a positive impact on the lives of those around her by helping them achieve their personal best. She is also focused on operational excellence and continuous quality improvement. Marsha is a great merchant who is passionate about service. I am proud of what she has been able to accomplish so far and excited to see the contributions she will continue to make at Publix.”

Singh and her husband, Neil, will relocate to Lakeland, Florida.

Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 240,000 associates, currently operates 1,314 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. For 25 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.