Ollie's Bargain Outlet Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ollie's Bargain Outlet has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational logistics, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to value-based retail, Ollie's Bargain Outlet delivers exceptional savings through the procurement of closeout merchandise and excess inventory. This organization maintains a unique market position by transforming manufacturer overstocks into accessible consumer goods across North American markets.

Leadership Roles at Ollie's Bargain Outlet

  • President, Chief Executive Officer & Director - John Swygert
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Robert Helm
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Chris Zender
  • Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services - Lawrence Kraus
  • John Swygert - President, Chief Executive Officer & Director

    John Swygert, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director at Ollie's Bargain Outlet, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term growth initiatives. Swygert manages the expansion of the retail footprint while ensuring the business model remains focused on high-value closeout merchandise. By coordinating with the Board of Directors, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director aligns organizational goals with the evolving demands of the discount retail sector. This leadership role involves monitoring market trends to maintain competitive pricing across all departments, from housewares to electronics. John Swygert drives the company mission by fostering relationships with global manufacturers to secure exclusive inventory deals. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President, Chief Executive Officer & Director guarantees that the brand delivers consistent value to customers. Swygert maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the company remains the premier destination for bargain hunters seeking famous brand name products at significant discounts.

    Robert Helm - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Helm, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Ollie's Bargain Outlet, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the enterprise. Helm oversees fiscal planning, budgeting, and investor relations to support the company's aggressive growth objectives. By analyzing inventory liquidation opportunities and financial institution partnerships, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the company maintains liquidity while acquiring high-quality closeout stock. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to optimize cost structures and maximize shareholder value. Robert Helm drives financial stability by implementing robust reporting systems that track the profitability of diverse product categories. Through careful management of capital expenditures, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of the store network across the United States. Helm secures the long-term viability of the business by mitigating financial risks associated with the volatile nature of the closeout retail industry.
    Robert Helm

    Chris Zender - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Chris Zender, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ollie's Bargain Outlet, directs the daily operations of the retail network and supply chain logistics. Zender oversees the distribution of merchandise from manufacturers to store shelves, ensuring that inventory levels meet consumer demand across all regions. By optimizing store-level performance and labor efficiency, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of the bargain shopping experience. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional managers to implement consistent merchandising strategies that highlight the unique value of closeout goods. Chris Zender drives operational improvements by streamlining the flow of goods from liquidation sources to the sales floor. Through the management of store operations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that every location provides a clean, organized, and exciting environment for customers. Zender focuses on scaling the retail infrastructure to support the company's ongoing expansion into new geographic territories.

    Lawrence Kraus - Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services

    Lawrence Kraus, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services at Ollie's Bargain Outlet, architects the digital infrastructure and data management systems that support the retail enterprise. Kraus oversees the integration of point-of-sale technology and inventory tracking software to ensure seamless operations across all store locations. By managing the payroll services division, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services guarantees accurate compensation for the workforce while maintaining compliance with labor regulations. This role involves protecting corporate data and enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the organization against emerging digital threats. Lawrence Kraus drives technological innovation by implementing advanced analytics tools that help the buying team identify profitable inventory opportunities. Through the oversight of information systems, the Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services enables the company to scale its digital capabilities alongside its physical store growth. Kraus ensures that all technical resources align with the broader strategic goals of the business.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ollie's Bargain Outlet Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ollie's Bargain Outlet?
    Ollie's Bargain Outlet is led by John Swygert (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director), along with executives such as Robert Helm (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Zender (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Ollie's Bargain Outlet’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ollie's Bargain Outlet includes leaders such as John Swygert (President, Chief Executive Officer & Director), Robert Helm (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Chris Zender (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ollie's Bargain Outlet have?
    Ollie's Bargain Outlet has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ollie's Bargain Outlet’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ollie's Bargain Outlet includes roles such as President, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer & Head of Payroll Services.