Office Depot names a new head of its international business

Steve Schmidt

Office Depot Inc. has named Steve Schmidt as the retail chain’s president, international, a job that includes e-commerce responsibilities. Schmidt was the office supplies retailer’s executive vice president of corporate strategy and new business development. He continues to report to chairman and CEO Neil Austrian.

Office Depot is No. 5 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.

Schmidt’s new job includes overseeing Office Depot’s contract, direct and retail business in 56 countries outside the United States and Canada. The global business, which sells to customers directly or via affiliates, generated $3.4 billion in revenue in 2010, Office Depot says.

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead our International Division and work with our talented Office Depot associates around the world who are as committed as I am to driving sales, building our brands and strengthening our business,” Schmidt says.

Schmidt joined Office Depot in 2007 as president of its North American business solutions division. Previously he worked for 12 years at marketing information firm ACNielsen Corp., including as president and CEO.