Barnes & Noble retail group CEO to retire; will serve as real estate advisor

New York -- Barnes & Noble announced that Mitchell Klipper, CEO of the retail group, will retire at the end of the fiscal year, ending May 2, but will remain with the company in the role of special advisor on real estate and other matters. Klipper, a 28-year veteran of the chain, previously served as the retailer’s COO and CFO before being appointed chief executive.



The retailer said it has begun a search to fill Klipper’s position and that he will help with the selection of the new retail CEO and in the transition process.



“Mitchell Klipper’s contributions to Barnes & Noble have been nothing short of spectacular,” said Leonard Riggio, chairman of Barnes & Noble. “He, more than anyone, has been the architect of our bookstore superstore expansion all across America. I cannot thank him enough for all he has done for our company, and for what he has meant to me as a friend and colleague. Fortunately, he leaves behind an excellent management team, and will stay on as an advisor.”