2008 compensation Publix CEO: $800,000. 2008 Winn Dixie CEO made $2.9 million.

[madfloridian]

Interesting article and graphic about the huge difference in CEO pay at two major supermarkets.


Graphic from Lakeland Ledger April 17,2009.

Publix CEO Pulls In Less Than Winn-Dixie Chief

LAKELAND | When it comes to market share and profits, Publix Super Markets has a healthy lead over its Jacksonville-based competitor, Winn-Dixie Stores.

As for executive pay, the difference isn't even close. Total compensation for Winn-Dixie Chief Executive Peter Lynch came to $2.9 million last year, more than triple the amount brought in by Publix chief Ed Crenshaw, who made roughly $800,000, according to figures in a recent New York Times story about executive pay trends in 2008.

"You are correct; there is a huge gap in compensation," said Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous in an e-mail to The Ledger.

"Although our financial results are generally superior to the companies in our peer group, our officers' compensation is generally significantly less.

"We believe that compensation should be set at reasonable levels consistent with the company's constant focus on controlling costs in its low margin business," Brous added.

A Winn-Dixie spokeswoman noted that Lynch's pay decreased sharply last year from the $14.7 million he earned in fiscal 2007, a period during which Lynch successfully led the company out of a bankruptcy reorganization.

An analyst points that Publix has been a family owned and operated company, and that has something to do with the huge difference.

[stillcool]

1. Publix is a great store...

maybe that has something to do with it?

[CurtEastPoint]

7. Publix beats the doo-doo outta Kroger here in Atlanta

Clean, bright stores, knowledgeable, FRIENDLY employees, great selections, great SALES. Prices are a tad bit higher, I think than Kroger but it's a pleasure to shope there.

[SmileyRose]

14. AB SO Lutely!!!!

I noticed it quite a few years ago, but at least half the time I leave Krogers feeling irritated. I have never once felt irritated leaving Publix. Not once. In fact, most of the time I'm laughing. I can't even tell you why it is. Maybe it's not crap clogging up every aisle. Maybe it's the bagger knows not to put a gallon of milk on top the bread. Maybe it's not standing for 20 minutes in the checkout while they haggle over what's allowed on WIC vouchers for someone in front of me. Maybe it's that the people who work there actually act like they WANT to work there. I really can't put my finger on it.

I almost never even go in Kroger any more.

[sixmile]

2. Publix is also EMPLOYEE owned

It trades a class of preferred shares on the NASDAQ bulletin board from years ago, but the majority of equity is closely held between family and employees. If you've never shopped at a Publix I highly recommend them.

[madfloridian]

8. Definitely family

The Jenkins, Barnetts, Hollises, not sure who else.

[Lorien]

9. Yep, that's one of the main reasons I shop there

plus it's always clean, well stocked, the employees are friendly-a HUGE contrast to the trashy Winn-Dixie stores.

[wellstone dem]

3. I wish we had publix here,

this report alone would cause me to shop there. We don't have winn-dixie either, so I don't get to refuse to shop there either.

[sarcasmo]

4. I only shop at Publix when we stay in Florida, love that store.

[sarcasmo]

5. I thought the memo was they couldn't get people to be CEO's for less money, I guess this proves that

talking point wrong.

[Libertyfirst]

6. Once worked for publix. Good people. n/t

[Lorien]

10. So Lynch took more in pay last year than the company earned this year

then he reduced his pay to "lead the company out of bankruptcy". How Republican of him. :crazy:

[madfloridian]

11. The differences in the numbers of the two companies are staggering.

I was stunned when I saw the numbers.

[Lorien]

12. Costco is also doing extremely well. their CEO only takes 300k a year

in salary. There seems to be a direct correlation between corporate success and lack of GREED at the top! Personally I'm beginning to see salary caps as one of the best ways to curb our economic meltdown.

[MagickMuffin]

13. Tarrant County closed a large portion of Winn Dixie's here

I guess Lynch's pay confirms he is living high on the hog. Close stores, more money for the CEO.