HARTLAND, WI - December 19, 2018 - Batteries Plus Bulbs, a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of batteries, light bulbs and services, announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Scott Williams as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2019.
Scott Williams is a highly accomplished retail executive and seasoned marketer. Scott was previously President of Cabela's Inc., a $4 billion omni-channel retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Prior to serving as President, Scott was Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. Scott joined Cabela's in 2011 as Chief Marketing Officer. During his six-year tenure at the Company, Scott drove significant results by improving retail operations, revamping marketing, and driving growth in omni-channel, private brands and international.
Scott has spent over 25 years in retail and e-commerce where he held senior management positions with leading companies. Prior to Cabela's, Scott served as President at Fanatics, Corporate Vice President and General Manager for Samsclub.com, Senior Vice President of OfficeMax's Direct Business Segment and OfficeMax.com, and served as a Market Manager for PepsiCo. Current interim CEO Tom O'Hare, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Batteries Plus, will continue to be involved with the Company as a Board member, advisor, and shareholder.
"I am honored to be joining a nationwide leader such as Batteries Plus Bulbs," Scott Williams said. "The Company's robust franchise network, expert service, and unique product capabilities provide an unmatched value proposition. I look forward to building upon the Company's many competitive advantages."
"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are excited that someone of Scott's caliber and experience will be leading Batteries Plus Bulbs through its next phase of growth," Tom O'Hare said. "His impressive track record of leadership and his strategic vision, which includes omni-channel strategy and marketing expertise, uniquely qualifies him for this role."
"We at the Company are very pleased to welcome Scott to the Batteries Plus team," Shawn Cushman, President and Chief Operating Officer of Batteries Plus, said. "Scott's breadth of experience in specialty retail and his ability to drive results in all facets of marketing and omni-channel retailing are a significant asset for the Batteries Plus Bulbs system going forward."
About Batteries Plus Bulbs
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, Batteries Plus Bulbs is a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of batteries, light bulbs and device repair services, serving both the direct to consumer and commercial channels. The Company is primarily a franchisor, with 665 franchise locations and 73 corporate stores across 47 states. The stores provide unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and expert customer service. For additional information, visit www.batteriesplus.com.
In 2016, Batteries Plus Bulbs was acquired by Freeman Spogli & Co. and certain members of the senior management team.
About Freeman Spogli & Co.
Freeman Spogli & Co. is a private equity firm dedicated exclusively to investing in and partnering with management in consumer-related and distribution companies in the United States. Since its founding in 1983, Freeman Spogli has invested over $4 billion in 59 portfolio companies with aggregate transaction value of over $22 billion, and is currently making investments from FS Equity Partners VII, L.P. Freeman Spogli has offices in Los Angeles and New York. For additional information, visit www.freemanspogli.com.