Staples President, COO To Resign

Staples President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Miles will resign effective Feb. 2, 2013.

“The Board and I thank Mike for his leadership and service over the past decade,” said Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and chief executive officer. “Mike brought new energy to our brand, drove growth in our services business, and restructured and integrated our international operations. We wish him all the best.”

Miles has accepted a position with Berkshire Partners, the Boston-based investment firm.

“I want to express my gratitude to the Staples team around the world for their support and partnership over the past 10 years,” Miles said in a press release. “It has been a privilege to be part of this great company.”

Miles had responsibility for Staples International, including Staples' businesses in Europe, South America, Asia and Australia, as well as for the retail business in Canada. In addition, he oversaw Staples Brand Group, Corporate Advertising and Public Relations.

Miles began his career at Staples in 2003 as Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for US Retail, including the marketing, merchandising and supply chain, and real estate functions. He was promoted to President and COO in 2006 and has most recently had responsibility for all of Staples' North American business as well as Staples Brands Group, Corporate Advertising and Public Relations.

Before joining Staples, Miles was COO of Yum! Brands' Pizza Hut division.  He joined PepsiCo in 1993 where he was Vice President of Strategic Planning and moved to its Pizza Hut unit in 1994 as a Division Vice President. Before that, he worked at Bain and Company, a Boston– based management consulting firm.

Staples, the world’s largest office products company and second largest internet retailer, is headquartered in Framingham at 500 Staples Dr.