Scott Williams has assumed the role of CEO today at Batteries Plus Bulbs, a nationwide chain of franchised power, lighting and mobile repair stores.
He joins the company from Cabela’s, the leading sporting goods and outdoor recreation chain, where he most recently served as president. During his six-year tenure there he was credited with improving retail operations, revamping marketing, and driving growth in omni-channel, private brands and international. Prior to Cabela’s he held executive-level posts at SamsClub.com and OfficeMax.com.
In his new job at Batteries Plus Bulbs, Williams succeeds interim CEO and former COO Tom O’Hare, who will stay on in an advisory capacity and as a member of the board. O’Hare filled in for former CEO Russ Reynolds, who left the company last year.
“I am honored to be joining a nationwide leader such as Batteries Plus Bulbs,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”
Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, Wisc., Batteries Plus Bulbs is an omni-channel specialty retailer of batteries, chargers, key fobs, light bulbs and mobile device repair services, serving both the consumer and commercial channels. The company is primarily a franchisor, with 665 franchise locations and 73 corporate stores across 47 states. In 2016 it was acquired from private-equity firm Roark Capital Group by members of the senior management team and Freeman Spogli & Co., another private-equity firm.
At the time of the acquisition, investment banker Maria Watts described the business to Franchise Times as an asset-light destination retailer that has successfully fended off Amazon with healthy foot traffic, a thriving B-to-B market and diversification into light bulb sales and tech repair.
The company was founded by former CEO Ron Rezetko, who opened his first Batteries Plus store in 1988.
