Executive changes at Overstock.com

Overstock.com SVP Stephen Tryon has resigned from his position to pursue interests related to his book, "Accountability Citizenship."



Tryon joined Overstock.com in 2004, assuming executive responsibility for the company's logistics operations. In that role, he implemented leadership training and workforce restructuring initiatives to reduce cost per package and improve shipping quality, along with improving satisfaction among warehouse associates. Tryon later spearheaded an initiative to consolidate billing with major carriers as fulfillment partners assumed a larger role.



"The initiatives Steve implemented reduced costs by millions of dollars and have been a key element in the growth of Overstock.com's partner network," said Overstock.com chairman and CEO Patrick M. Byrne. "Being a valuable asset to the company and a good friend of mine, Steve will be sorely missed."



Tryon assumed responsibility for the company's human resource function in 2007, where he led implementation of Overstock's first automated performance appraisal system, and in 2008 and 2009, he restructured the compensation system.



In 2012, Tryon earned his Senior Professional of Human Resource certification. In recent years, while retaining his role in HR, Tryon also managed the company facilities portfolio and the international business unit.



In 2013, Tryon published "Accountability Citizenship," which he describes as a toolkit for applying performance management principles to elected officials.



"My passion for the many initiatives associated with 'Accountability Citizenship' makes it difficult to devote enough time to my duties at Overstock.com," Tryon said. "The past nine years have been an exciting chapter of the company's growth from start-up to mature, profitable internet business. I am grateful for the opportunities Overstock.com has given me, and am proud to have been part of Dr. Byrne's quest to build a business with enduring value. Overstock.com is a terrific business and a terrific community of great people. I look forward to watching it grow."



The company also promoted Mark Griffin to SVP and general counsel and promoted four other executives to VP.



Formerly a VP and general counsel, Griffin has been responsible for the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the legal team. Under his direction, the legal department has repeatedly seen success in fighting high-profile patent troll suits, and in working with the U.S. Congress, regulatory agencies and state legislatures on key legislation and regulatory matters, affecting the retail sector and public companies. Griffin's new position will expand his responsibilities in these and other areas.



"A superb attorney, Mark has been a wise adviser to and a tenacious and able advocate for the company," said Overstock.com executive vice chairman Jonathan Johnson. "His unique ability to be both counselor and gladiator fit him well to join the senior executive team."



As a private attorney, Griffin represented the company when it started its campaign to end a form of stock market manipulation — abusive naked short-selling. In the middle of that fight, Griffin joined the company in 2006 as its general counsel. Prior to Overstock.com, Griffin was a partner in the Salt Lake City law firm, Woodbury & Kesler. Griffin also served 14 years in various roles in state government: as director of the Utah Securities Division, previously as deputy secretary of state for the State of Nevada and as an assistant Utah attorney general, handling civil securities, antitrust cases and white collar fraud prosecutions.



Griffin served in the leadership of the North American Securities Administrators Association, with offices in Washington, D.C., completing his NASAA work as its president in 1997. Griffin has conducted senior White House Staff briefings, and testified five times before U.S. Congressional Committees on litigation reform, investor protection and securities market practices.



Griffin is a member of the Utah State Bar and holds J.D. and B.A. degrees from Brigham Young University.



Overstock.com also promoted the following executives to the position of VP:

• Seth Moore was promoted from senior director of analytics, search and personalization VP, website and mobile. A graduate of Brigham Young University, Moore joined Overstock.com in 2006.


• Terry Jensen was promoted from senior director of training and quality to VP, customer service and training. Having graduated from the University of Utah and Westminster College, Jensen joined Overstock.com in 2006.


• Michael Skirucha was promoted from controller to VP, finance and controller. Skirucha graduated from DePaul University and the University of Utah and is a licensed CPA. He joined Overstock.com in 2010.


• Alec Wilkins was promoted to vice president, application development. Wilkins joined Overstock.com in 2011 as a consultant, joined full time in 2013 as acting VP, application development.