Lee Delaney, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, passed away unexpectedly last week, due to presumed natural causes, the company announced Friday.
“We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the passing of Lee Delaney,” said Christopher J. Baldwin, executive chairman of the board of directors, on behalf of the board, in a statement. “Lee was a brilliant and humble leader who cared deeply for his colleagues, his family and his community. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his family, especially his wife and two children. We will honor his legacy and remember the extraordinary impact he had on so many. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Bob Eddy, executive vice president, chief administrative and financial officer, has been named interim CEO by the board of directors, effective immediately. Eddy joined the company in 2007 and was named executive vice president, chief financial officer in 2011. He assumed the role of chief administrative officer in 2018. Additionally, Christopher J. Baldwin, chairman of the board of directors, has been appointed executive chairman.
“Bob partnered closely with Lee and has played an integral role in transforming and growing BJ’s Wholesale Club,” said Baldwin on behalf of the board, in a statement. “We have the utmost confidence in Bob’s leadership and his deep knowledge of the business. We expect to announce permanent changes to our leadership within a reasonably short timeframe, aided by our prior succession planning.”
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Image: BJ's Wholesale Club