Staples Names Newton Woman President and CEO

NEWTON, MA – Staples announced Monday that Newton resident Shira Goodman has been named the president and CEO of the company, months after she began serving as interim chief executive.

Goodman, who was named the interim CEO in May after Ron Sargent stepped down, will also serve on Staples' board of directors.

"After a comprehensive search process that included the evaluation of several qualified candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer, the Board has approved Shira’s appointment," said Independent Lead Director Robert Sulentic in a statement. "This decision was not only based on her long tenure and deep understanding of our industry, but also on the leadership qualities she has demonstrated while serving as interim Chief Executive Officer. Having joined Staples in 1992, Shira has a thorough understanding of our customers and operations which she combines with the outside-in thinking critical to competing in today’s marketplace."

Goodman comes to the role with 24 years of experience at Staples. She has held several leadership positions within the company, including President of North American Operations; President of North American Commercial; Executive Vice President of Global Growth; Executive Vice President of Human Resources, and Executive Vice President of Marketing.

A year of mass layoffs, low profits and store closures -- capped by a judge's decision to block the proposed merger between Staples and Office Depot -- prompted Sargent's departure. He formally left his position in June, after which Goodman took over.

"I am both honored and excited to become the Chief Executive Officer of Staples," Goodman said in a statement. "I am committed to executing our Staples 20/20 strategy which is focused on accelerating growth with mid-market customers in North America and building on our momentum with products and services beyond office supplies. We have an incredible team of dedicated associates and I am proud to lead them as we transform our company and create long term shareholder value."

Photo courtesy of Staples, Inc.