Staples announces executive moves as part of 'streamlining'

In the name of creating a more efficient and focused organization, Staples announced several key senior leadership moves while its acquisition of rival Office Depot appears in jeopardy.



Shira Goodman, currently president, North American commercial, has been named president, North American operations with responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada.



Leaving the company is longtime executive Demos Parneros who served as president, North American Stores and Online. Effective March 31, Otis Pannell, senior VP, U.S Retail operations, will have responsibility for retail operations in the United States and will report to Goodman. Pannell joined Staples in 1989, serving in a number of retail leadership positions across the United States.



In another key move, John Wilson, currently president, Staples Europe, has been named president, international operations and transformation. He will have responsibility for operations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Asia. He will also be responsible for the company’s strategy and overall transformation efforts. Wilson served as CFO at Staples from 1992-1996. He rejoined Staples in 2012 and will continue to be based in Amsterdam.



“We are streamlining the organization and building a simplified structure that will speed decision-making and enable us to focus on driving profitable growth,” said Ron Sargent, Staples chairman and CEO. “These changes will help us compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace, either as a standalone company or in combination with Office Depot.”



Goodman joined Staples in 1992 and played a key role in developing Staples’ delivery business model. She has served in a number of senior roles across the company, including strategy, marketing, human resources and operations.



“John, Shira and Otis have deep knowledge of Staples, and I’m very excited to work with them in their new roles as we position Staples for the future,” Sargent said. “I want to thank Demos for all he has done to help build Staples. Over nearly 30 years, he has played a significant role in making Staples the leader in our industry, touching countless people and developing many of our strongest leaders and associates. I will miss working with him as a valued colleague.”