BJ's Elevates Sen to President, COO

NATICK, Mass. — BJ's Wholesale Club here last week said it has named Laura Sen to be its new president and chief operating officer; the chain also announced it has restructured its merchandising operations.

Sen, a 15-year company veteran, most recently was executive vice president of merchandising and logistics. She assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations from Herb Zarkin, who remains chairman and chief executive officer and will lead strategic planning, management succession and expansion efforts at BJ's.

According to one analyst, the move is seen as a “positive” for the No. 3 wholesale club and positions Sen as a potential successor to Zarkin as CEO.

Christina Neppl, who most recently was senior vice president and controller, was named to take over Sen's former post as EVP of merchandising and logistics. In addition, Bruce Graham, senior vice president and general merchandising manager of consumables, was also named general merchandising manager of perishables, and Mark Titlebaum was named senior vice president and general manager of general merchandise, a position that had been vacant.

Robert Eddy, senior vice president of finance, assumes Neppl's former financial duties.