BJ's names chief operations officer

BJ’s Wholesale Club has promoted Scott Schmadeke, senior vice president, field and fresh operations, to the role of executive vice president, chief operations officer.

Schmadeke will have responsibility for all BJ’s clubs, distribution centers, logistics and asset protection and safety, the company announced in a news release, saying he will report to Bob Eddy, chairman and chief executive officer, and will serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

The company said Krystyna Kostka, currently senior vice president, operations, has been named chief supply chain officer. She will lead the company’s distribution and logistics networks, planning and allocation and robotics and automation. Kostka will report to Schmadeke.

“Scott and Krystyna are dynamic leaders with deep knowledge of our company and impressive records at BJ’s,” Eddy said. “These changes will ensure that we continue to offer world-class service to our members and drive efficiency across our network as we deliver unbeatable value and profitable growth. I look forward to continuing to work with Scott and Krystyna as we take care of the families who depend on us.”

Schmadeke joined BJ’s in 2018 and made an immediate impact in elevating club performance with a relentless focus on team member development, member service and profitable growth, the release said. He led the transformation of BJ’s perishable distribution centers and most recently helped lead the highly successful rollout of BJ’s enhanced fresh offerings. Schmadeke has also been instrumental in the success of the company’s new club openings.

Kostka joined BJ’s in 2014, leading fuel operations. She has played a key role in the successful growth of BJ’s Gas. Kostka is also responsible for club and distribution center operations infrastructure. Most recently, Kostka has been the driving force behind the company’s deployment of robotics, automation and emerging technologies in BJ’s clubs and distribution centers.

Schmadeke and Kostka will fill the role previously held by Jeff Desroches, executive vice president, chief operations officer, who has resigned from his position.