Staples names new head merchant

Staples Inc. has made a change in a key executive position even as the company awaits regulatory approval for a pending merger with Office Depot.

Staples said it has named Peter J. Scala as executive vice president, merchandising, effective immediately. Scala will report to Demos Parneros, president, North American stores and online, and will be a member of the company’s executive committee.

“Peter is a passionate leader who has driven innovative thinking and strong partnerships during his career at Staples,” said Demos Parneros, president North American stores and online, Staples. “He will make a tremendous impact in his new role as we continue to provide our customers everything they need to succeed.” The company said the previous head merchant, Mike Edwards, has “resigned from Staples to pursue other interests.”

Office Depot's board agreed to a $6.3 billion merger with Staples on Feb. 3, but Office Depot's shareholders still have to vote on the merger. The deal also is still under FTC review for any antitrust concerns.

Most recently, Peter Scala served as senior vice president of merchandising, online marketplace, leading the rapid expansion of Staples’ product assortment to support small and mid-size business customers. Scala and his team’s efforts helped to grow Staples beyond office supplies and have helped redefine how customers think of Staples.

Prior to his current role, Scala held a variety of leadership positions within merchandising, including senior vice president/general merchandising manager technology. As senior vice president, technology innovation, he led key advancements as head of Staples Future Tech and Best Tech initiatives. Scala joined Staples in 1996.