NAPERVILLE, Ill., Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OfficeMax® Incorporated (NYSE: OMX), a leader in office supplies, technology and services, today announced that it has appointed Jim Barr as executive vice president and chief digital officer, effective November 14, 2011. Mr. Barr will report to Ravi Saligram, president and CEO of OfficeMax, and will be responsible for all aspects of the company's e-commerce business and for driving its multi-channel digital strategy.
Mr. Barr has been working with the OfficeMax e-commerce business in an advisory capacity since July 2011 to assess the opportunities for the business and develop a strategy to maximize its potential.
"Jim is a proven digital expert who has built industry leading e-commerce businesses," said Mr. Saligram. "That expertise will be invaluable to us as we invest in our digital offerings and develop a seamless multi-channel experience for our retail consumers and our business customers."
Mr. Barr has successfully developed and executed strategies to drive profitable growth in several senior level e-commerce positions. Most recently, he served as president of Sears Holdings' online division where he held full P&L accountability for sears.com and significantly grew the business. Prior to joining Sears, Mr. Barr held positions of increasing responsibility at Microsoft for 12 years, most recently serving as general manager, business-to-consumer e-commerce and marketplaces, where he had full business responsibility and led the global e-commerce strategy.
Mr. Barr is a graduate of Miami University and received a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Additionally, the company is announcing that Michael MacDonald, executive vice president and president of the contract division has notified OfficeMax of unusual and difficult family circumstances that have resulted in a sudden and unexpected need to resign.
"We thank Mike for his contributions during his brief tenure at the company," said Mr. Saligram. "We wish him and his family well during this difficult time."
"Given his strong industry experience and proven ability to grow business, I have appointed Steve Mongeau, SVP sales and growth initiatives as the interim sales head for the North American Contract organization," said Mr. Saligram. "I will continue to provide overall leadership to the division and am confident that we have a strong team in place that will continue to gain traction in the marketplace."
Mr. MacDonald commented, "I regret that it is necessary for me to step down from my role at OfficeMax due to an illness in the family. I am confident about the company's direction and that it is well-positioned for future success."
The company expects to commence a search for a new President of the Contract division immediately.
About OfficeMax
OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE: OMX) is a leader in both business-to-business office products solutions and retail office products. The OfficeMax mission is simple. We help our customers do their best work. The company provides office supplies and paper, in-store print and document services through OfficeMax ImPress®, technology products and solutions, and furniture to businesses and individual consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 30,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, e-commerce and nearly 1,000 stores. Since 2007, OfficeMax Goodworks programs have served communities and schools, contributing more than $14 million in grants and supplies to support teachers and classrooms. To find the nearest OfficeMax, call 1-877-OFFICEMAX. For more information, visit www.officemax.com.
All trademarks, service marks and trade names of OfficeMax Incorporated used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of OfficeMax Incorporated. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
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SOURCE OfficeMax Incorporated
