Office Depot Welcomes New CEO

The Office Supplies giant has designated a new CEO to replace Roland Smith, who is retiring, effective February 27, 2017.

The new CEO is Gerry P. Smith, who served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lenovo Group in his previous employment. He was responsible for all operations across the entire global product portfolio of Lenovo, a company worth more than $45bn, and has helped on building the company’s global brand recognition and expansion during the past decade. According to Office Depot, Smith will also join the Office Depot Board as a director.

“On behalf of the Board, I’m pleased that we recruited a leader with Gerry’s broad skill set to lead Office Depot at this important time in the company’s history,” said Warren Bryant, Lead Director of the Board of Directors and Chair of the CEO Search Committee. “Gerry possesses significant operating expertise, having successfully led business units across Lenovo’s entire product portfolio, including an industry recognized supply chain organization. His long-standing relationships with some of Office Depot’s largest suppliers will enable him to quickly transition into the role.”

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The company also announces that Joseph S. Vassalluzzo, a current board member, will become the Chairman as of February 27, 2017. Vassalluzzo joined the Office Depot Board in August 2013 and currently serves as Chair of the Finance and Integration Committee. He also serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board for Federal Realty Investment Trust and previously served as Lead Director for Lifetime Fitness. Earlier, he was employed by Staples, Inc. with the most recent position as Vice Chairman.

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