The following is a message for all associates from Shira Goodman, President, North American Operations.
Dear Staples Associates,
We are announcing changes to our North American retail structure and leadership team.
Steve Matyas has been appointed President, North American Retail. Steve has over 25 years of deep experience at Staples. His drive and passion for delivering profitable customer experiences, continuous growth, innovation and a winning culture is well known across Staples. He will be spending a substantial portion of his time in the U.S. and is excited and eager to begin his new role.
US Retail will now move to two Divisions: West and East. The following additional changes will be made to support this structure:
Otis Pannell will lead the West Division. Otis has been at my right hand over the last 6 months, a critical advisor to me and the team as we navigated through significant change. I could not be more thankful for his counsel, coaching, leadership and friendship during this time. His 27 years of experience at Staples is invaluable. I am delighted that he will be taking on this new role and he and his family are thrilled to be relocating back to California as a result.
Mike DeSanto will lead the East Division. Mike also has deep experience, with over 28 years at Staples, and has held leadership roles in Staples.com, Merchandising, Store and Field Operations. He already knows the East Division very well and has led the growth of some of our most profitable markets in recent years. I am equally delighted that Mike is taking on this new role and, together with Otis, will make a very powerful partnership.
Mike Naab will move to a new role leading Region 4. Mike has been a valued member of the US Retail team for 22 years. He made significant contributions initially as our Director of Operations and then further spread his wings as a successful RVP for 13 years. Based on his track record of results and leadership, we promoted Mike to Division 2 SVP in 2012. We are grateful for Mike’s business insight, his legacy of growing key talent and look forward to his continued success in his new assignment.
Dick Neff and Andy Lewis will retire from Staples in October of this year after completing their respective transitions. Separate communications related to Dick and Andy will follow, recognizing them for their many years of incredible service. Suffice it to say we could not be more thankful and grateful for their leadership, service, contribution and sage counsel over the years. We look forward to roasting and toasting them in fitting style closer to their retirement.