COLUMBUS, Ohio-Big Lots has promoted John Martin to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer as part of a series of organizational changes among the retailer’s top executives.
The move puts Martin in charge of merchandising, global sourcing and marketing. He will report to Steve Fishman, Big Lots’ chairman, president and CEO. Douglas Wurl, who had served as executive vice president of merchandising, has resigned. Before taking his new post, Martin had been executive vice president of administration.
Martin has been succeeded in that role by Charles W. Haubiel II, who has been promoted to executive vice president and chief administrative officer, responsible for human resources and loss prevention, and continuing to lead the legal and real-estate departments. Lisa Bachmann has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer, overseeing store operations and retaining her responsibilities for merchandising planning and allocation, information technology (as chief information officer) and distribution, and transportation services.
Also, Timothy A. Johnson has been promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer, in charge of the treasury and risk-management departments and all of Big Lots’ financial activities. Michael Schlonsky has been promoted to senior vice president of human resources, responsible for the human resources department and talent management.
In a conference call with financial analysts yesterday, Fishman noted that Martin had headed Big Lots’ merchandising from 2003 until 2011. Citing his experience in the retailer’s business, Fishman added that Martin “brings stability to the merchant organization at a time when business is tough, and I am confident he will partner with the team to improve the details of our execution.”
Martin, Haubiel, Bachmann and Johnson report directly to Fishman. Schlonsky reports to Haubiel.