BJ's adds former Belk and Dick's Sporting Goods execs to its leadership team

BJ's Wholesale Club has tapped two experienced retailers to drive its digital innovation and omnichannel strategy.



BJ's announced that Scott Kessler has been named executive VP, CIO, effective immediately. He succeeds Peter Amalfi, who plans to retire later this year.



Most recently, Kessler was executive VP, CIO, at Belk, a $4 billion department store chain with nearly 300 stores. Prior to that, he was senior VP, products technology, at GSI Commerce, a global provider of e-commerce and interactive marketing services for some of the world’s leading brands. Kessler also held a leadership position at Accenture.



In addition, Rafeh Masood has joined BJ’s in the newly created role of senior VP, chief digital officer. He will drive the strategy and vision for the company’s e-commerce and omnichannel efforts. He will focus on programs and initiatives that drive sales, showcase value and enhance convenience for members.



Masood joins BJ’s from Dick’s Sporting Goods, where he was VP, customer innovation technology. At Dick’s, Masood was responsible for all digital platforms, enterprise architecture and the use of technology to improve the customer experience.



“BJ’s has made rapid progress in our omnichannel initiatives, and I’m pleased to have two new executives of this caliber join our team as we transform our company,” said Christopher J. Baldwin, president and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Both Scott and Rafeh have extensive experience in building teams and delivering the technology and systems that drive growth. They will lead the investment in technology, people and systems as we build the omnichannel and digital platforms that showcase our value and deliver convenience to our members.”



BJ's operates 214 warehouse club stores. It is wholly owned by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, CVC Capital Partners and its management team.