Movers & Shakers: ThredUP, BJ’s, PICKUP Add Execs, Bath & Body Works CEO Transition

thredUP Names First Head of Public Policy and Sustainability

Seth Levey has been named thredUP’s first-ever head of public policy and sustainability. 

In this new role, Levey will lead government affairs and policy initiatives that drive impact by encouraging circular business models, emphasizing apparel reuse. ThredUp is one of the world’s largest resale platforms for women’s and kids’ apparel, shoes and accessories. Levey will also oversee the company’s broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts. He will report directly to Alon Rotem, chief legal officer of thredUp.

"Extending the life of clothing can significantly reduce fashion's impact on our world," James Reinhart, CEO of thredUP, said in a statement. "There is a long history of government action to curb pollutive industries; we have seen regulation and incentives for everything from plastic bags to electric vehicles. At thredUP, we believe circular fashion is the next frontier in sustainable policy, and I'm thrilled to welcome Seth Levey to our team to help thredUP on our journey to usher in a more sustainable future for the industry."

Levey comes to thredUP after serving as director of government relations and public affairs at Equinor, where he led the company's U.S. climate, sustainability, environmental and innovation policy development and advocacy. He also held roles at Edison Electric Corp. and previously advised U.S. state governments on energy, economic development and international affairs issues.

BJ’s Adds VP of Investor Relations to Exec Team

BJ’s Wholesale Club has tapped Catherine Clark as its new vice president of investor relations.

In this role, she will provide strategic counsel to the executive leadership team in managing the organization’s investor relations activities. Clark most recently served as executive director of investor relations at MGM Resorts International. She also served as vice president of corporate banking at JPMorgan Chase.

“We remain committed to stakeholder engagement and enhancing our investor relations initiatives,” Laura Felice, executive vice president and CFO at BJ’s, said in a statement. “Catherine’s broad financial and investor management experience will help elevate our buy- and sell-side relationships while providing our executive leadership team with trusted counsel on a range of activities, including quarterly earnings.”

See the full story on Progressive Grocer.

PICKUP Names New CEO

PICKUP, an enterprise-grade, last-mile delivery solution for retailers, has named Brian Kava as its new CEO. 

Kava takes over the role from Brenda Stoner, who founded the company and led it for eight years. Stoner will remain as PICKUP’s founder and focus on the company’s innovation. Kava originally joined PICKUP in September 2021 as head of sales and marketing.

Prior to PICKUP, he served as president and general manager at Acosta. He has 20 years of experience in generating consumer and brand awareness, maximizing product visibility, and developing sales and marketing strategies for some of the world’s most renowned brands, including Walmart, Google, Amazon, Home Depot, Whirlpool, Nike and Microsoft.

As CEO, Kava will focus on leading the company toward three major milestones, including scalable growth, technological differentiation and best-in-class operations. The appointment comes after the company raised $15 million in a funding round last year and hired more than 130 employees at its Dallas headquarters.

Bath & Body Works CEO Stepping Down

Andre Meslow will step down as the CEO of Bath & Body Works, effective May 12.

The retailer cited health reasons for Meslow’s departure from the role. He will also step down from his role as a board member. Sarah E. Nash, chair of the board of directors, has been appointed executive chair, effective immediately, and she will assume the role of interim CEO once Meslow steps down. The board plans to retain a national search firm to assist in identifying a permanent CEO.

“After much consideration and many discussions with my family, I have decided to step down as CEO so that I can focus on my health,” Meslow said in a statement.