Report: Staples Laying Off Hundreds

Original story by Susan Petroni.

Originally posted at 11:20 a.m. Updated at 12:21 p.m.

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Staples is reportedly laying off hundreds of employees.

Fortune Magazine reported the layoffs involve senior and junior level employees.

Staples, based in Framingham, said in a release it is undergoing leadership changes and streamlining its structure. There was no mention of layoff in the press release.

Staples has more than 2,000 stores worldwide, including more than 100 in New England.

A Staples store was formerly located at 297 Great Road in Bedford.

Staples is fighting the SEC in regards to a merger with Office Depot.

“We are streamlining the organization and building a simplified structure that will speed decision-making and enable us to focus on driving profitable growth,” said Ron Sargent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in a press release issued today. “These changes will help us compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace, either as a standalone company or in combination with Office Depot.”

Shira Goodman, currently President of North American Commercial, has been named President of North American Operations. She will have responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada. Goodman joined Staples in 1992 and played a key role in developing Staples’ delivery business model. She has served in a number of senior roles across the company, including strategy, marketing, human resources and operations.

John Wilson, currently President of Staples Europe, has been named President of International Operations and Transformation. He will have responsibility for operations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and Asia. He will also be responsible for the company’s strategy and overall transformation efforts. Wilson served as Chief Financial Officer at Staples from 1992-1996. He rejoined Staples in 2012 and will continue to be based in Amsterdam.

Demos Parneros, President of North American Stores and Online, announced his resignation from Staples, effective March 31.

Senior Vice President of U.S Retail Operations Otis Pannell will have responsibility for retail operations in the United States and will report to Goodman. Pannell joined Staples in 1989, serving in a number of retail leadership positions across the United States.

“John, Shira and Otis have deep knowledge of Staples, and I’m very excited to work with them in their new roles as we position Staples for the future,” Sargent said. “I want to thank Demos for all he has done to help build Staples. Over nearly 30 years, he has played a significant role in making Staples the leader in our industry, touching countless people and developing many of our strongest leaders and associates. I will miss working with him as a valued colleague. “

Patch will update when we have more details.