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BJ's, SpartanNash Make C-Suite Appointments

Specialty Food Association

BJ’s Wholesale Club’s board of directors has appointed Bob Eddy president and CEO. Eddy was named interim CEO after the unexpected passing of Lee Delaney, former president and CEO, earlier this month. Laura Felice, currently senior vice president, controller, has been appointed executive vice president, chief financial officer, and replaces Eddy in this role.

BJ’s also announced additional appointments to the C-suite, including Paul Cichocki, currently executive vice president, membership, analytics, and business transformation, who has been named executive vice president, chief commercial officer, and Bill Werner, currently senior vice president, strategic planning, and investor relations, who has been appointed executive vice president, strategy, and development.

“Bob’s leadership, strategic vision and deep knowledge of the business have been pivotal in driving BJ’s Wholesale Club’s transformation and record growth across all key metrics," said Christopher J. Baldwin, executive chairman, BJ’s Wholesale Club, in a statement. "We delivered industry-leading results this past year and made significant progress on each of our long-term strategic pillars under Lee’s leadership and we’ll continue to honor his legacy. In addition to Bob’s appointment as president and CEO, we continue to strengthen our team with accomplished leaders like Laura, Paul and Bill. This world-class team will continue to build on our existing momentum and fuel the next phase of growth for the company.”

SpartanNash has named Masiar Tayebi executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Tayebi has more than 20 years of experience connecting strategy, technology and innovation to drive growth and transformational change.

As EVP and chief strategy officer, Tayebi will be responsible for the development and execution of corporate strategy initiatives to drive growth and improve business performance. He will work closely with senior leaders to identify, analyze, and resolve business challenges and capitalize on new growth opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions. Tayebi will report to SpartanNash's president and cCEO Tony Sarsam.

"Masiar's track record of defining and executing strategies based on deep financial and strategic analyses has resulted in significant growth in his previous roles," Sarsam said in a statement. "We believe his commitment to executing with excellence will advance our people-first culture and enable us to capitalize on new growth opportunities."

Nancy Lebold has been appointed CEO at New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets. Lebold joins the companies from Food4Less, where she most recently served as vice president of merchandising in California. Prior to Food4Less, Lebold built a 25-year career at WinCo Foods, where she held several leadership roles throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“As we emerge from the challenges of the past year, I look forward to bringing a people-centric leadership approach to New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets as we reconnect communities around good food,” said Lebold, in a statement. “In close partnership with the current senior leadership teams, I’m committed to creating reinvigorated experiences at both banners that offer staff, customers and the communities we serve more reasons to fall in love with us all over again.”

Related: BJ's President, CEO Passes Away UnexpectedlyNew Seasons Market Eliminates Single-Use Plastic Bottles.

Image: Bob Eddy by BJ's Wholesale Club