Dive Brief:
- BJ's Wholesale Club appointed IT veteran Anjana Harve as its new EVP and CIO, the company said Monday. Harve will join the BJ's executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO and Chairman Bob Eddy.
- A 25-year IT pro, Harve most recently served as global CIO at Fresenius Medical Care. She also served in various leadership roles at organizations including Hill-Rom, Novartis and Shire.
- Harve replaced former BJ's CIO Scott Kessler, who departed in May after six years with the discount membership company. Kessler joined Northeast Grocery as its EVP and CIO in June, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Dive Insight:
Harve joins BJ's amid an increased company focus on its digital capabilities.
BJ's digitally-enabled comp sales grew 15% in the second quarter, according to Eddy, speaking last month during the company's Q2 earnings call, for the period ending June 29. Digital sales accounted for 10% of net merchandise sales, Eddy said.
"We're also working to leverage technology to make [buy online, pick up in club] and curbside more efficient for our team members with the goal of cutting down member wait times for their orders," Eddy said. "Our digitally enabled members are more loyal as indicated by higher spending and renewal rates."
Harve joins the firm with the remit of providing strategic leadership and direction over the company's IT to drive business outcomes, optimize revenue growth and improve operating efficiencies, according to the announcement.
BJ's has outlined digital convenience as a strategic priority, working to improve its app and website as member preference for digital platforms grows.
