OfficeMax names new chief digital officer

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax announced that it has appointed Jim Barr as EVP and chief digital officer, effective Nov. 14. Barr will report to Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax, and will be responsible for all aspects of the company's e-commerce business and for driving its multi-channel digital strategy.

Barr has been working with the OfficeMax e-commerce business in an advisory capacity since July 2011 to assess the opportunities for the business and develop a strategy to maximize its potential.

"Jim is a proven digital expert who has built industry leading e-commerce businesses," said Saligram. "That expertise will be invaluable to us as we invest in our digital offerings and develop a seamless multi-channel experience for our retail consumers and our business customers."

Most recently, Barr served as president of Sears Holdings' online division where he held full P&L accountability for Sears.com and significantly grew the business. Prior to joining Sears, Barr held positions of increasing responsibility at Microsoft for 12 years, most recently serving as general manager, business-to-consumer e-commerce and marketplaces, where he had full business responsibility and led the global e-commerce strategy.

Barr is a graduate of Miami University and received a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Additionally, OfficeMax announced that Michael MacDonald, EVP and president of the contract division has notified OfficeMax of unusual and difficult family circumstances that have resulted in a sudden and unexpected need to resign.

"We thank Mike for his contributions during his brief tenure at the company," said Mr. Saligram. "We wish him and his family well during this difficult time."

The company said it expects to commence a search for a new president of the contract division immediately.