COLUMBUS, Ohio — David Campisi, a 30-year retailing veteran who most recently headed an apparel company, has been named president and chief executive officer of Big Lots Inc.

David Campisi, a 30-year retailing veteran who most recently headed an apparel company, has been named president and chief executive officer of Big Lots Inc.

Campisi, who began his new role earlier this month, takes over from Steve Fishman, who announced in December that he was retiring as president and CEO and from the company’s board once a successor was found.

Campisi is expected to be appointed to Big Lots’ board of directors at the company’s annual meeting on May 30.

Campisi comes to Big Lots after a 10-month stint as chairman and CEO of the workout and sports apparel company Respect Your Universe.

Prior to that he spent a year as an independent consultant.

Earlier in his career, Campisi worked for Sports Authority for six and half years — the last 18 months as chairman, president and CEO.

He has also spent time with Kohl’s Corp., Kroger Co.’s Fred Meyer division and May Department Stores Co.

"David Campisi is a seasoned retail executive with a track record of success in the industry," said Jeffrey Berger, the Big Lots board member who headed the search for Fishman’s successor. "The board was attracted to his broad base of successful merchandising experience and his collaborative leadership skills. Both of these characteristics were key to the board’s search, and they are believed to be paramount as Big Lots enters its next phase of growth and evolution as a ­company."