Borders names three new zone VPs

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Borders Group has named three new zone vice presidents to lead its store operations teams nationwide.

Mike Steele is zone VP for the West Coast region; John Melnick is zone VP for the Northeast and Dave Marsico is zone VP for the Midwest. The Southeast is led by existing zone VP Bill Christensen, who has held that post since 2007. All zone vice presidents report to SVP operations Steve Davis and all are responsible for managing a network of district managers and store managers with a focus on creating and maintaining an outstanding customer shopping experience.

Steele is a 22-year Borders veteran who joined the company in 1987 as a bookseller at Waldenbooks in Oklahoma City. He was promoted throughout his career to district manager for Waldenbooks and Borders Outlet; senior manager of logistics and operations for the company's seasonal calendar business, and most recently served at Borders Group headquarters as director, store operations.

Melnick served for the past four years as zone VP for Michaels Stores, where he was responsible for nearly 180 stores with sales of $800 million. He earlier was a district manager for Michaels, and previous to that, served as a general manager with Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse and in several positions over a 17-year career with Service Merchandise Co., including senior district manager.

Marsico served for the past four years as market director for leading Midwest grocery retailer Meijer, where he oversaw 10 stores with sales of more than $750 million. Prior to Meijer, Marsico was with Kmart for 18 years in a variety of leadership roles including VP of the Super Kmart Center division.