Belk names company veteran as CEO
![Belk](https://assets1.chainstoreage.com/styles/max_width_480/s3/2021-12/belk-ext_0.jpg?itok=R80tI-qi)
The new CEO of Belk Inc. is a familiar face.
Belk has named Don Hendricks as CEO of the company effective Friday, Sep. 9, 2022. Hendricks has served at the regional department store retailer as interim CEO since May 2022, and previously served Belk as president and COO.
Hendricks joined Belk in 2016 as COO, later assuming responsibilities for stores in 2019. As president and COO, Hendricks spearheaded the company's initiatives to enhance its omnichannel capabilities and played a significant role in leading the company through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining Belk, Hendricks held senior leadership positions at Gymboree, Hot Topic and Torrid, including CIO and COO.
"I'm honored to take on the role of Belk's next CEO and continue my journey with this extraordinary company," Hendricks said. "Through my work with Belk's board, leadership team and talented associates, I believe the company is well positioned to build on its current momentum and achieve success now and in the future. Together, we will capitalize on the demand for great products at great prices, which Belk has long been known for, all while maintaining our unwavering commitment to customers and communities."
"Don is a proven leader who is motivated by creating the best products and customer experience possible,” said Lisa Harper, member of the Belk board of directors. His passion shines through in all that he does, and we are grateful he will assume the role of CEO at this exciting time for the company."
Former Belk CEO Nir Patel left the company in May 2022 after less than a year on the job, jumping to video game retailer GameStop to take over the COO role. Patel was named CEO of Belk in July 2021, succeeding Lisa Harper, who transitioned to executive chair of Belk’s board. (Harper was recently named CEO of Torrid). Patel, who joined Belk in 2016 and moved up through the ranks.
Charlotte-based Belk Inc., is a privately-owned department store operating 300 Belk stores in 16 Southeastern states, as well as digital commerce via the belk.com e-commerce site and through the mobile app.