Office Depot and Staples name new top executives
Steve Odland, former chairman, president and CEO of auto parts retailer AutoZone is the new CEO and chairman of Office Depot Inc. And Ron Sargent, president and CEO of Staples Inc., is now also serving as chairman.
Odland, 46, succeeds Neil R. Austrian, who has served as interim chairman and CEO since October 2004. "Steve`s track record in delivering strong operating performance and excellent financial results in challenging business environments makes him the ideal person to lead our company to the next level," Austrian said. "With his background in marketing and merchandising, his demonstrated focus on building loyalty through customer service and satisfaction, and an unparalleled record in the creation of shareholder value, we could not have found a better fit for our company."
At Staples, Sargent is filling the shoes of Staples founder Tom Stemberg, who is resigning from the board and will serve as chairman emeritus and look into new ventures.
"In the past three years, Ron Sargent has stepped up to lead Staples to record performance," Stemberg said. "Under Ron`s leadership the company has delivered outstanding results for our customers, associates and shareholders. As I look to new ventures, the time is right for me to move on and for Ron to assume the role of chairman."
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