BJ’s taps H-E-B digital exec for leadership role

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings named a chief merchant and promoted two executives to key roles as it continues to accelerate its transformation under new CEO Bob Eddy.

The membership warehouse club retailer appointed Rachael Vegas as executive VP, chief merchandising officer, effective October 25.  She will be responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s merchandising and assortment planning and allocation functions.

Most recently, Vegas was senior VP, e-commerce merchandising at H-E-B, where she was responsible for its e-commerce business as well as its in-store financial services and payments division and its retail media initiative. Prior to H-E-B, Vegas held various leadership positions at Brandless, Target and Delhaize Group.

BJ’s said it has made significant progress in enhancing its merchandising assortment to offer outstanding value to members.  Recent initiatives have included driving its owned brands penetration and expanding into high-demand categories, including better-for-you snacks, fitness, recreation and seasonal products. 

“We’re thrilled to have Rachael join our team,” said Paul Cichocki, executive VP, chief commercial officer.  “Her diverse background and deep experience in retail and grocery will be influential as we continue to build on our momentum and advance our strategic priorities.”

BJ’s also announced two additional executive appointments to further strengthen its leadership team and accelerate its transformation.

Tim Morningstar will assume the role of executive VP, chief membership officer, effective Oct. 25. Morningstar joined BJ’s in 2020 as senior VP, membership acquisition and loyalty and leads the company’s membership and marketing functions. Previously, he was a partner at the Boston office of Bain & Company.

Monica Schwartz will assume the role of executive VP, chief digital officer, effective Oct. 25. She joined BJ’s in 2020 as senior VP, chief digital officer and is responsible for the strategic leadership of the company’s digital business.  

“With the appointments of Rachael, Tim and Monica, we continue to strengthen our talented and experienced leadership team to drive the next phase of our transformation,” said Eddy, who took the reins of BJ’s in April following the unexpected death of previous CEO Lee Delaney. “This world-class team will play an integral role capitalizing on the opportunities ahead of us and driving long-term growth.”

[Read More: BJ’s Wholesale ramps up growth]

Headquartered in Westborough, Mass., BJ’s currently operates 222 clubs and 151 BJ's Gas locations in 17 states.