Publix Super Markets has promoted Director of Manufacturing Doug Harris to vice president of manufacturing, effective May 1. In his new role, Harris will oversee the efforts of Publix’s manufacturing businesses, which include seven fresh production plants and printing services.

“Doug has the ability to think strategically about how Publix manufacturing can continue to differentiate us from our competition,” said Publix Chief Executive Officer Todd Jones. “He creates strong, collaborative relationships that show how much he genuinely cares for his associates and Publix. I’m excited to see him continue to grow his Publix career.”

Harris began his Publix career in 1998 as an industrial engineer in Lakeland, FL. He worked in various positions in logistics within manufacturing before transferring to the Atlanta dairy plant in 2006 as a production operations manager. In 2013, he was promoted to general manager of the Atlanta dairy plant. Harris transferred back to Lakeland last year, when he was promoted to his current role.