Retail vet Hanaka reunites with Staples Stemberg

Retail industry veteran Marty Hanaka has joined Highland Consumer Partners as one of the firm’s operating partners.



Hanaka has held senior leadership positions with numerous retailers throughout his lengthy career. Most recently, he served as interim CECO of Guitar Center and from 2007 to 2012 he held the positions of chairman and CEO at Golfsmith. From 1998 to 2004 he served as CEO and chairman of The Sports Authority. Prior to that he spent three years as COO of Staples and also held senior leadership roles during a 20 year career at Sears.



"Marty is an accomplished CEO with unparalleled experience in creating industry-leading operations," said Tom Stemberg, a managing general partner with Highland and founder of Staples who was once Hanaka’s boss. "His experience and track record leading several world-class retail businesses will be a valuable addition to our team as Highland seeks to invest in and help build the next great retailing brands. Marty's leadership and mentorship capabilities will be critical to creating a culture of success across the Highland Consumer portfolio."



Hanaka has worked with Stemberg throughout his career, beginning with Staples, but more recently including Guitar Center and City Sports, companies in which Highland invested.



“Highland is a firm that has a strong history investing in growth-stage companies in the retail and consumer sectors. I am ready to contribute to the firm's evaluation of new opportunities, as well as help the portfolio execute on strategic growth initiatives,” Hanaka said.



Some of Highland’s investments include companies such as City Sports, DavidsTea, J.McLaughlin, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Trupanion, Merrick Pet Care, and Pinkberry.