News

Office Depot CEO departing the helm early next year

August 24, 2016

Office Depot CEO Roland Smith will leave his role come the first quarter of next year but will remain as board chairman, according to a Sun Sentinel news report.

The 61-year-old’s resignation comes on the heels of Staples CEO Ron Sargent’s departure in June and just months after the failed merger between the two office supply product powerhouses. He had served in the role since late 2013.

Smith stated he plans to pursue personal interests, according to the report. The departure of top key leaders given the merger failure is not unexpected, according to industry watchers.

"I expected that senior management would be gone now," David Marcotte, analyst for Kantar Retail, told the Sun Sentinel.