Big Appointment

Big Lots Inc. (Columbus, Ohio), the nation's largest broadline closeout retailer, has appointed John Zavada as senior vp and chief information officer. Zavada succeeds M. Steven Bromet, who announced his retirement effective March 2004. He will report to Albert Bell, vice chairman and chief administrative officer.

Zavada has extensive experience leading information technology organizations in the retail industry. He joins Big Lots from Gottschalks Inc., a $700 million chain of full-line department stores, where he was vp, merchandise planning and chief information officer.

Previously, Zavada was with Limited Brands Inc. as vp, merchandising systems and Victoria Secret Stores as vp and chief information officer. Earlier in his career, he held various positions of increasing responsibility with Thrifty Corp. and Millers Outpost.

“We are very pleased to welcome John to our company,” said Bell. “He is an outstanding executive who combines a strong information technology background with expertise in specific retail areas such as merchandise planning, supply chain and point-of-sale systems. We are confident John will add tremendous value to our business, and we are very excited to have him as a member of our senior management team.”

Big Lots operates 1380 stores in 45 states operating as Big Lots and Big Lots Furniture. Wholesale operations are conducted through Big Lots Wholesale, Consolidated Intl. and Wisconsin Toy.