BJ’s Wholesale Club President and CEO Lee Delaney Passes Away

Last week, our industry experienced a loss difficult to put into words. President and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club Lee Delaney passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 8, at the age of 49, leaving our industry with a legacy of selfless and tireless leadership.

“We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the passing of Lee Delaney,” said Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Christopher J. Baldwin, in a statement on behalf of the Board. “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.”

Delaney will be remembered by all who have had the opportunity to work with him for his humility and unparalleled dedication to the industry.

Delaney joined BJ’s in 2016 as the Chief Growth Officer, according to his LinkedIn page. He later grew into several distinguished roles within the company, holding the position of Chief Commercial Officer shortly after joining the team, and later being promoted to President in 2019. In February of 2020, the esteemed leader was named Chief Executive Officer for the retailer, where he fearlessly led the team through what he called a “remarkable, transformative, and challenging year that structurally changed [the] business for the better,” in the company’s latest earnings report last month. Prior to joining BJ’s, Delaney was a partner in the Boston office of Bain & Co.

Delaney’s legacy will be continued by his wife and two children, and all that were blessed to work alongside this passionate and dedicated industry trailblazer.

The team at Deli Market News extends our deepest condolences to those mourning the loss of this incredible leader.