Toys 'R' Us names new global leader

Toys “R” Us has promoted its senior VP of store operations to a global leadership role.



The retailer announced that Joe Venezia has been elevated to executive VPP, global store operations, effective Feb. 22. In this newly elevated role, Venezia will continue to be responsible for delivering an exceptional shopping experience across the company’s more than 850 Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores nationwide, but with expanded responsibilities for providing strategic direction and support for global store operations. This includes leading global initiatives and facilitating best practices in the operations area. He will report to Dave Brandon, chairman and CEO, Toys “R” Us, Inc. and serve as a member of the company’s Global Leadership Team.



“Since joining Toys “R” Us two years ago, Joe has played a critical role in our transformation process, leading efforts to drive the business forward and deliver consistent operational execution across all stores, as well as improving customer satisfaction and developing a strong store operations team,” said Brandon. “I’m proud to have Joe as a leader on my team and believe his guidance will be an asset as we seek to grow our brands globally and create a world-class shopping experience for our customers.”



Venezia joined Toys “R” Us, Inc. in February 2014 as senior VP, store operations. Earlier in his career, he held key operations and management positions at The Pantry, Walmart U.S., Wells Fargo Merchant Services and Procter & Gamble. Venezia also served as an Airborne Ranger Officer in the U.S. Army Infantry for nine years and was deployed abroad three times, receiving a Bronze Star Medal for demonstrated bravery during Operation Desert Storm. He received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.