BJ’s CEO Bob Eddy named chairman

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings has appointed BJ’s President and CEO Bob Eddy as the chairman of the board, effective June 15.

With the move, Eddy will succeed Chris Baldwin, who will remain on the warehouse club chain’s board as a director.

Eddy joined BJ’s in 2007 and has served on the board of directors since 2021. He was named executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2011 and served as EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, from 2018 to April 2021, when he was appointed president and CEO.

“We have observed Bob’s clear passion for the company in the boardroom as well as through the successful execution of our long-term vision,” said Rob Steele, the board’s lead independent director, in a statement. “We believe that Bob’s role as chairman and chief executive officer will further strengthen the collaborative relationship between management and the board, balanced with appropriate oversight embodied in our independent directors and in my role as lead independent director. I look forward to continue working with Bob as chairman.”

Under Eddy's leadership, BJ's continues to bring “record” gains for the wholesale club. “2022 was a record year, having surpassed $1 billion in adjusted EBITDA for the first time in the company’s history,” Eddy said in a statement on the company’s fourth-quarter earnings.

BJ's is also experiencing a steady pace of its brick-and-mortar expansion. The company is readying its entry into its 19th and 20th states, Tennessee and Alabama.

“Bob’s strong leadership, strategic vision and deep commitment to BJ’s have played an integral role in the transformation of our business over the years,” Baldwin stated. “Having worked closely with Bob over the past eight years, both as a fellow director and as part of the management team, I am confident that the combination of his leadership as chief executive officer and guidance as chairman positions the company well for long-term."

Overall, the Marlborough, Massachusetts-based wholesale club operates 237 clubs and 167 BJ’s Gas fuel stations in 18 states.