Staples, Inc. Appoints Pete Howard Senior Vice President of Staples Southern Europe

Staples, Inc. today announced the appointment of Pete Howard to senior vice president of Staples Southern Europe. Howard will report to Rob Vale, president of Staples Europe.

"As a 10-year Staples veteran, Pete has a great track record in driving Web and catalog sales growth,” said Vale. "In his new role, Pete brings his outstanding management skills and experience to Staples business across the southern European region.”

Howard will direct the overall operations of Staples Southern Europe, which serves business and home office customers across Web, catalog, contract and retail channels in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Howard joined Staples in 2000 as vice president of sales and marketing for Staples Business Delivery, which serves US small business and home office customers through Staples.com and catalogs. In 2005 he was named senior vice president for Staples Business Delivery responsible for the overall operations of the business. Prior to joining Staples, Howard was vice president of marketing for Ross-Simons, a multi-channel retailer of jewelry and gifts, and held various marketing positions with Digital Equipment Corporation, The Bradford Exchange and Papermate Pen. He earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics and his Masters of Business Administration from the University of Chicago.

Howard succeeds Eric Bousquet who, following a long career at the company, is leaving to pursue other interests.

About Staples

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 25 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

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