Dive Brief:

• Bed Bath & Beyond hired Scott Lindblom as its chief technology officer, the company announced on Wednesday. He will begin his position on Sept. 28 and report to John Hartmann, chief operating officer and president of BuyBuy Baby.

• Lindblom will oversee the retailer's enterprise technology and digital omnichannel operations. He will collaborate with Hartmann on harnessing data and analytics to streamline the company's operations, foster innovation and improve overall customer experience, according to the company statement.

• Lindblom brings prior experience from other retailers, including Michaels, Ross and Best Buy.

Dive Insight:

Bed Bath & Beyond's appointment of a new CTO comes after the retailer made multiple executive leadership changes late last year. In October 2019, the company hired Mark Tritton, who brought with him prior experience from Target, Nordstrom, Timberland and Nike, to serve as its president and CEO. Shortly after, six members of the retailer's executive leadership team left the company, including its chief merchandising officer, chief marketing officer and chief digital officer.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the company announced its decision in July to close 200 stores over the next two years and laid off about 2,800 employees, or 5% of its workforce, the following month.  

"We are leading an operational and technological transformation to build a more efficient organization and best-in-class omni-always experience for our loyal customers," COO John Hartmann said in a statement. 

In a statement, Lindblom noted the importance of adapting the company's digital strategy to seamlessly serve customers.