Brandon Waters Appointed as Chief Information Officer of Books-A-Million

Brandon Waters Takes the Helm as CIO at Books-A-Million

In a significant move to bolster its technological initiatives, Books-A-Million, Inc. has promoted Brandon Waters to the position of Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. This new role aims to enhance the company's digital framework and maintain its competitive edge in the retail market. Waters takes on this pivotal role after demonstrating remarkable leadership in his previous position as Senior Vice President of IT.

Waters, who rejoined Books-A-Million in June 2024, has been instrumental in deploying critical digital solutions for various sectors within the company, including Financials, Supply Chain, and Merchandising. His innovative approach has brought about substantial improvements in operational efficiency and has laid the groundwork for increased innovation across the board. Previous experience includes managing large-scale system rollouts and transformations at Milo's Tea Company, along with over 15 years at Books-A-Million itself.

As CIO, Waters will oversee project management and business intelligence (BI) teams and will continue to foster a collaborative environment focused on IT projects. This includes exploring advancements in artificial intelligence to further enhance Books-A-Million’s technological capabilities.

Terrance G. Finley, the Chief Executive Officer of Books-A-Million, highlighted Waters' swift and impactful contributions since his return, emphasizing his strategic vision and technical acumen as key factors that made him the ideal candidate for this leadership position. Finley expressed confidence that Waters would continue to spearhead innovation and augment the company’s technology landscape while keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront.

Books-A-Million has long been a staple of the retail industry, operating more than 200 stores across 32 states, alongside its e-commerce platform, Booksamillion.com. Known for being one of the largest bookstore chains in the United States, the company prides itself on offering a wide range of products, including books, toys, games, and various collectibles since 1917.

Brandon Waters' promotion aligns with the ongoing commitment of Books-A-Million to adapt and thrive in the fast-evolving digital marketplace. With expanding competition and changing consumer expectations, the company's focus on technology and innovation is more critical than ever. As Waters takes the reins of the IT department, stakeholders are keenly observing how he'll navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead in an ever-reactive industry. The leadership transition brings a sense of optimism as employees, customers, and partners look forward to the initiatives that will stem from Waters' leadership.

In a rapidly changing world, the emphasis on advanced technological strategies will not only optimize internal operations but also enhance the customer experience, positioning Books-A-Million for sustainable growth and relevance in the future.

About Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million, recognized for its extensive inventory and commitment to customer service, remains a significant player in the retail book industry. Alongside its physical stores, it has developed a strong online presence, thereby catering to a diverse customer base. As the nation's second-largest bookstore chain, the company continues to evolve by adopting new technologies while focusing on community engagement and fulfilling customer demands.

In conclusion, the elevation of Brandon Waters marks a new chapter for Books-A-Million—one that promises enhanced technological advancement and a bold future trajectory for the company's digital ambitions.