BJ's Hires Roberts as SVP, Real Estate

Former Home Depot Exec Brings 25 Years of Experience

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/13/2004 12:00:00 AM

Natick, Mass. — —

Natick, Mass. — John Roberts has joined BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. as senior vice president of real estate and property development.

He will be responsible for the company's real estate division, reporting to BJ's President and CEO Michael Wedge.

Wedge said, “(John's) experience and success in expanding retail franchises will be critical to BJ's as the company moves to its next level of growth.”

Roberts has more than 25 years of strategic leadership experience in real estate within the retail industry, including nine years with The Home Depot, Inc. In addition to The Home Depot, he was director of real estate for Lechmere, Inc., and senior vice president of retail for AMB Property Corporation. In 2000, Roberts established Roberts Realty Group based in Andover, Mass., a company specializing in shopping center acquisition and redevelopment.

BJ's operates 154 BJ's clubs, one ProFoods Restaurant Supply club and 80 gas stations in 16 states.