New CEO tasked with Borders turnaround

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Borders Group announced that Ron Marshall, who most recently was Principal of Wildridge Capital Management, a private equity firm he founded approximately three years ago, has been appointed president and CEO and will serve as a director. Marshall, replaces George Jones who served in that same capacity since July 2006.

Prior to founding Wildridge Capital, Marsahall was CEO for eight years with Nash Finch Company, a $5 billion food distribution and retail organization, where Marshall was responsible for a turnaround that included the quadrupling of earnings over a six-year period as well as a 40% improvement in EBITDA over the same period.

"Borders is a powerful brand with millions of loyal customers who love to shop in the stores," said Marshall. "These are tremendous assets that can be built upon once the balance sheet is strengthened and the company is on more solid financial footing. I've led turnarounds at other retail organizations and look forward to leading a new management team at Borders to drive profitability and help ensure lasting success for this great name in retail."

In addition to Marshall's appointment as CEO, other management changes were announced. Mark Bierley has been named CFO and EVP of finance. Anne Kubek has been appointed EVP of merchandising and marketing. Additionally, Dan Smith has been named to the new position of chief administrative officer.