WESTBOROUGH, Mass. – BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. announced earlier this month that it had promoted Christopher Baldwin as the company’s chief executive officer, effective February 1.

Baldwin, who joined BJ’s in September as chief operating officer, succeeds Laura Sen in the CEO role. Both Sen and Baldwin will continue to serve on the company’s board.

Baldwin has more than 30 years of experience as an executive in the retail and consumer products industries. He most recently served as CEO of Hess Retail Corp., which, before it was acquired by Marathon Petroleum Corp. last year, operated more than 1,300 fuel and convenience stores on the East Coast. Before joining Hess, Baldwin held a variety of leadership roles, including president of snacks at Kraft Foods (Nabisco) and president of North America at Hershey Co.

“I am humbled and excited by this opportunity to lead BJ’s,” said Baldwin. “This is both a challenging time for retail and one full of opportunity. Our guide over the next several years will be a vision that is steadfastly focused on offering a distinctive shopping experience and deep value proposition to BJ’s millions of loyal members. With the support of BJ’s team members, I look forward to leading our company to even higher levels of achievement.”

Said Sen, “I am grateful to have spent over 25 years with this great company, and feel privileged to have led it for the last seven. I am proud of what our team has accomplished together during these many years. I believe BJ’s is operationally strong and well positioned for continued success. In a very short period Chris has demonstrated the necessary vision and leadership to take BJ’s to the next level. Together we have laid out a strategy for the company that will serve us for many years to come, and I believe now is the right time for Chris to assume his place as the leader of BJ’s.”

BJ’s, founded in 1984, operates 211 warehouse clubs and 126 gas stations for members in 15 states. The company positions itself as a one-stop-shopping destination for shoppers seeking top-quality, leading brands, including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen merchandise. The company also offers shoppers fresh meat, produce and organic food.

BJ’s said it is the only membership club to accept all manufacturers’ coupons and most payment options. Additionally, it said that through local clubs, volunteerism, BJ’s Feeding Communities and BJ’s Charitable Foundation, the company supports and enhances programs that provide vital services within each community it serves.