Westborough, Mass. — BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.’s president and chief operating officer, Christopher J. Baldwin, has been named president and chief executive officer, succeeding Laura J. Sen, who is assuming the role of non-executive chairman. The appointment is effective February 1, 2016.
Baldwin will assume responsibility for the ongoing operations of BJ’s, while Sen will join BJ’s other board members in setting the long term strategic direction of the company. Baldwin will report to the company’s board of directors and both he and Sen will remain members of the BJ’s board.
“I am grateful to have spent over 25 years with this great company, and feel privileged to have led it for the last 7,” says Sen. “I am proud of what our team has accomplished together during these many years. I believe BJ’s is operationally strong and well positioned for continued success. In a very short period Chris has demonstrated the necessary vision and leadership to take BJ’s to the next level.”
Baldwin joined BJ’s in September as president and chief operating officer. He brought more than 30 years of experience as an executive in the retail and consumer products industries. Before joining BJ’s, he was CEO of Hess Retail Corporation, prior to its successful sale to Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
“I am humbled and excited by this opportunity to lead BJ’s,” says Baldwin. “This is both a challenging time for retail and one full of opportunity. Our guide over the next several years will be a vision that is steadfastly focused on offering a distinctive shopping experience and deep value proposition to BJ’s millions of loyal members. With the support of BJ’s team members, I look forward to leading our company to even higher levels of achievement.”
Headquartered in Westborough, Mass., BJ’s is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 211 clubs and 126 gas stations in 15 states. For more information, visit www.BJs.com. BJ’s is wholly owned by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, CVC Capital Partners and its management team.
SOURCE: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.