Staples names new general counsel

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has named Michael Williams as SVP, general counsel and secretary, effective Nov 7. Williams will have global management responsibility for the company’s legal team and will report to Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and chief executive officer.



“Mike brings more than 25 years of legal management experience to Staples,” Sargent said. “With his proven leadership and experience across industries, he will play an important role in supporting the company’s growth.”



Williams joins Staples from Sony Electronics Inc., where he was EVP, general counsel and secretary with responsibility for legal operations of several professional and consumer electronics companies in the U.S., Central America and South America. Prior to joining Sony, he was a partner at the law firm of Heller Ehrman, where he represented Fortune 100 companies. Previously, he was a partner at the law firm of Andrews Kurth. Williams also served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He holds a J.D. from University of San Diego.