Retail

Staples Shakes Up Leadership in 2016

Thinkstock

Staples Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS), in an effort to streamline its organization and build a more simple structure going forward, has announced a few leadership changes. The goal of these changes is to speed up decision making and drive profitable growth either as a standalone company or in combination with Office Depot.

Shira Goodman, the current President of the North American Commercial business, has been named President of North American Operations. She will have responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations in both the U.S. and Canada. Goodman joined Staples in 1992 and played a key role in developing Staples’ delivery business model.

John Wilson, currently President, Staples Europe, has been named President, International Operations and Transformation. He will be responsible for operations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Asia. He will also be responsible for the company’s strategy and overall transformation efforts. Wilson served as CFO for Staples from 1992-1996, later to rejoin Staples in 2012.

Demos Parneros, President of North American Stores and Online, announced his resignation from Staples, effective March 31. Otis Pannell, Senior Vice President, U.S Retail Operations, will have responsibility for retail operations in the United States and will report to Goodman. Pannell joined Staples in 1989.

Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Staples commented:

John, Shira and Otis have deep knowledge of Staples, and I’m very excited to work with them in their new roles as we position Staples for the future. I want to thank Demos for all he has done to help build Staples. Over nearly 30 years, he has played a significant role in making Staples the leader in our industry, touching countless people and developing many of our strongest leaders and associates. I will miss working with him as a valued colleague.

Shares of Staples closed Monday down 2.6% at $8.68, with a consensus analyst price target of $13.69 and a 52-week trading range of $8.29 to $19.40.

It’s Your Money, Your Future—Own It (sponsor)

Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? For families with more than $500,000 saved for retirement, finding a financial advisor who puts your interest first can be the difference, and today it’s easier than ever. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors who serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been carefully vetted and must act in your best interests. Start your search now.

If you’ve saved and built a substantial nest egg for you and your family, don’t delay; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.

AI Portfolio

Discover Our Top AI Stocks

Our expert who first called NVIDIA in 2009 is predicting 2025 will see a historic AI breakthrough.

You can follow him investing $500,000 of his own money on our top AI stocks for free.