BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO dies unexpectedly at 49

BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO dies unexpectedly at 49

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The warehouse chain shared the news in a release on Friday, pointing out that Delaney passed on ‘suspected natural causes’.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Lee Delaney,” said Christopher J. Baldwin, executive chairman of BJ’s (BJ) board, in a statement. “Lee was a brilliant and humble leader who cared deeply for his colleagues, his family and his community.”
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Bob Eddy, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer, has been appointed interim chief executive, taking effect immediately. Eddy has been with BJs since 2007 and became CFO in 2011.

“Bob has worked closely with Lee and has played an integral role in the transformation and growth of BJ’s Wholesale Club,” Baldwin said. The board plans to announce permanent changes to the leadership team “within a relatively short period of time,” he said.

BJ’s shares fell about 1.5% in Friday’s trading.

Delaney joined BJs in 2016 as growth chief executive officer. He was appointed CEO in late 2019 and took over the role in February last year.

He oversaw the company during the pandemic, when buyers flocked to the chain for essential items. Revenue grew by 17% in the year ended January 31, according to BJ’s latest earnings report.

BJs is based in Westborough, Massachusetts and was launched in 2018. It has locations on the East Coast and in Michigan. BJ’s has fewer stores than its competitors, Sam’s Club and Costco, and the locations are a bit smaller, although BJ’s has a wider range of items.

CNN Business’ Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this report.

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