BDA Appoints Former CKE Restaurants and Starbucks Executive as Chief Operating Officer

Kelly Bengston to Oversee Global Operations and Supply Chain

WOODINVILLE, Wash., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA), the nation's premier Merchandise Agency™ for iconic brands including Major League Baseball, Johnson & Johnson, The Home Depot, and NBC, today announced the appointment of Kelly Bengston as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Bengston has more than 25 years of experience in the procurement and merchandising space, and brings deep expertise in cross-functional enterprise collaboration at scale.

Bengston joins BDA from CKE Restaurants, the parent organization for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, where she served as Chief Supply Chain Officer. Prior to that she spent 14 years at Starbucks in various supply chain and procurement roles, including senior vice president of supply chain operations and Chief Procurement Officer.

"BDA is a magnet for industry-leading talent, and Kelly Bengston's arrival as our new COO is the latest example of that momentum," said Jay Deutsch, co-founder and CEO of BDA. "She's a world-class operator, and the fact that an executive of her caliber is choosing BDA speaks volumes about our trajectory. We've got something special happening here, and Kelly is exactly the kind of superstar leader we need to help us capitalize on the massive opportunities ahead."

In her role as COO, Bengston will lead the organization's global operations and supply chain functions including merchandising, inventory management, purchasing, imports, logistics, warehouse and distribution, and supplier relationships. Kelly will join BDA's Executive Leadership Team and be integral to driving company culture through a client-first mindset.

"BDA is the gold standard for innovation in the branded merchandise industry," said Bengston. "I've been highly impressed with how BDA helps its clients navigate a dynamic global supply chain. It's a pivotal time for the company, and I look forward to helping BDA supercharge its operations and drive even more wins for its clients."

About BDA
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC (BDA) is a global Merchandise Agency™ providing customized marketing, branded merchandise, e-commerce, and fulfillment solutions for iconic sports organizations, entertainment properties and Fortune 1000 enterprises. BDA is the largest, independently owned branded merchandise agency with operations in over 50 locations worldwide. With over 40 years of experience, BDA brings brands closer to their customers by providing highly engaging promotional products and branded merchandise experiences. Renowned clients across automotive, sports, technology, entertainment, medical, fitness, and beverage industries rely on BDA to activate, inspire, and promote their events, employees, and brands. For more information on the power of merchandise, visit www.bdainc.com.

SOURCE Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, LLC