Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) America's largest broadline closeout value retailer, announced certain organizational changes and named a new Executive Vice President of Merchandising.

Jon Martin has been named Executive Vice President, Administration and will assume responsibility for Store Operations and Human Resources. Mr. Martin has successfully led our Merchandising and Global Sourcing teams for the past eight years, and with his track record of performance and his prior operational experience at other discount and department store retailers, we believe John is uniquely qualified for his new role.

Commenting on John's appointment, Steve Fishman, Chairman, CEO and President stated, "John brings seasoned leadership to two critical areas of our business. As we continue to focus on new store growth, developing our store operations talent and strengthening our bench will be key to driving our future success. We wanted a leader who could combine the synergies of HR and Store Ops and allow us to focus on attracting, developing and retaining top talent." While Mr. Martin will continue to report directly to Mr. Fishman, Chris Chapin, Senior Vice President, Store Operations, Jo Roney, Vice President, Human Resources Services and Mike Schlonsky, Vice President, Associate Relations and Benefits, will report to Mr. Martin effective immediately.

Doug Wurl will be joining our company as Executive Vice President, Merchandising. Mr. Wurl will report directly to Mr. Fishman and will be responsible for our merchandising organization and for furthering the scope and breadth of our global sourcing efforts. Bob Segal, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Steven Smart, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Norm Rankin, Senior Vice President, Big Lots Capital and Wholesale, and Charles Ellis, Vice President, Global Sourcing, will report directly to Mr. Wurl.

"We are extremely proud of our accomplishments within the merchandising arena and the profitable growth and shareholder value that has been created over the last 5+ years" said Fishman. "Doug is a proven merchant with broad based experience and knowledge from his past positions with regional and national department stores and discount store retailers. I am pleased to welcome him as a member of our senior management team."

Wurl joins Big Lots from Sears Holding Corporation where he was Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Business Unit President, SHC Home Division. Prior to his time at Sears, he was a Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager with Shopko, and held leadership roles at Macy's and May Co. He is a graduate of Buffalo State College.