BJ’s Wholesale Club announces unexpected death of president, CEO

Lee Delaney, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, has died. The company announced Delaney's unexpected death, presumably of natural causes, on Friday. 

“We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the passing of Lee Delaney. Lee was a brilliant and humble leader who cared deeply for his colleagues, his family and his community,” Christopher J. Baldwin, executive chairman of the board of directors, said on behalf of the board. “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.”

In the wake of Delaney’s passing, Bob Eddy, current executive vice president, chief administrative and financial offer, will be the company’s interim CEO.

The appointment of Eddy was made by the board of directors, the company said.

“Bob partnered closely with Lee and has played an integral role in transforming and growing BJ’s Wholesale Club,” Baldwin said on behalf of the board. “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.”