Barnes & Noble Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barnes & Noble has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, and retail operations.

Driven by a commitment to fostering a love of reading, Barnes & Noble connects readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge across the United States, creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages.

Leadership Roles at Barnes & Noble

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Daunt
  • Chief Financial Officer - Edward Wilhelm
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Emily Frost
  • President - Rebecca LaFleur
  • President - William Wright
  • Newly-Created Post of President - Alan Kahn
  • President - Anna Romeu
  • Chief Information Officer - Christopher Troia
  • James Daunt - Chief Executive Officer

    James Daunt, the Chief Executive Officer at Barnes & Noble, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the company's extensive retail network. Overseeing the company's mission to connect readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge, Daunt ensures Barnes & Noble evolves as a cultural retailer. This leadership involves cultivating thoughtfully designed stores that serve as welcoming spaces for discovery and engagement nationwide. By focusing on creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, James Daunt drives the company's commitment to fostering a love of reading across the United States. The Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses guiding the company's market position and long-term growth trajectory within the competitive book and cultural retail landscape.
    James Daunt

    Edward Wilhelm - Chief Financial Officer

    Edward Wilhelm, the Chief Financial Officer at Barnes & Noble, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing all financial operations, Wilhelm ensures sound economic practices support the company's mission of connecting readers with knowledge and fostering a love of reading. This leadership involves guiding investment decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining financial transparency across the nationwide retail network. By directing financial strategy, Edward Wilhelm contributes to the creation of welcoming spaces and meaningful customer experiences. The Chief Financial Officer's role is critical in driving sustainable growth and ensuring the long-term viability of Barnes & Noble's cultural retail endeavors.

    Emily Frost - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Emily Frost, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Barnes & Noble, oversees the consolidated financial performance and strategic capital management for the organization. Directing financial reporting and analysis across all business units, Frost ensures alignment with the company's overarching mission to connect readers with stories and knowledge. This leadership involves evaluating market opportunities, managing financial risks, and optimizing capital deployment to support the expansion of thoughtfully designed stores nationwide. By providing critical financial insights, Emily Frost enables informed decision-making that enhances customer engagement and fosters a love of reading. The Group Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for sustaining Barnes & Noble's position as a leading cultural retailer.

    Rebecca LaFleur - President

    Rebecca LaFleur, the President at Barnes & Noble, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across key business segments. Overseeing significant areas of the company's retail and cultural operations, LaFleur ensures alignment with the mission of connecting readers with stories and knowledge. This leadership involves fostering innovation in store design and customer engagement, contributing to the creation of welcoming spaces nationwide. By focusing on enhancing the customer experience, Rebecca LaFleur supports the company's goal of cultivating a love of reading for all ages. The President's role is integral to executing the strategic vision and driving the continued evolution of Barnes & Noble as a premier cultural retailer.

    William Wright - President

    William Wright, the President at Barnes & Noble, spearheads critical operational strategies and business development efforts. Directing major functional areas, Wright ensures the company's commitment to connecting readers with ideas and knowledge is effectively implemented across its nationwide presence. This leadership involves optimizing supply chain logistics and in-store operations to enhance the discovery and engagement experience for customers. By focusing on operational efficiency, William Wright supports the creation of welcoming spaces that foster a love of reading. The President's contributions are essential for driving the company's growth and reinforcing its position as a leading cultural retailer dedicated to meaningful customer experiences.

    Alan Kahn - Newly-Created Post of President

    Alan Kahn, the Newly-Created Post of President at Barnes & Noble, directs strategic initiatives focused on expanding the company's market reach and enhancing its cultural retail offerings. Overseeing key growth areas, Kahn ensures the company's mission of connecting readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge is amplified across new and existing channels. This leadership involves developing innovative strategies to foster a love of reading and create engaging customer experiences nationwide. By focusing on strategic expansion, Alan Kahn supports the evolution of Barnes & Noble's thoughtfully designed stores into vibrant community hubs. The President's role is pivotal in driving forward the company's vision and strengthening its impact in the cultural landscape.

    Anna Romeu - President

    Anna Romeu, the President at Barnes & Noble, drives strategic partnerships and customer engagement initiatives across the organization. Overseeing critical functions that enhance the reader experience, Romeu ensures the company's dedication to connecting people with stories and knowledge is consistently met. This leadership involves developing programs and collaborations that foster a love of reading and create meaningful interactions within the community. By focusing on customer-centric strategies, Anna Romeu supports the creation of welcoming spaces that encourage discovery and learning nationwide. The President's role is vital in strengthening Barnes & Noble's brand presence and its impact as a leading cultural retailer.

    Christopher Troia - Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Troia, the Chief Information Officer at Barnes & Noble, architects the company's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Overseeing all aspects of information technology, Troia ensures robust systems support the company's nationwide operations and evolving retail presence. This leadership involves driving innovation in digital platforms that enhance customer discovery and engagement, aligning technology with the mission of connecting readers with knowledge. By managing the technological backbone, Christopher Troia enables seamless operations across stores and online channels, supporting the creation of welcoming spaces for learning. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include safeguarding data integrity and optimizing IT resources to facilitate Barnes & Noble's continued growth and market impact.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Barnes & Noble Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Barnes & Noble?
    Barnes & Noble is led by James Daunt (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Edward Wilhelm (Chief Financial Officer) and Emily Frost (Group Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Barnes & Noble’s executive team?
    The executive team of Barnes & Noble includes leaders such as James Daunt (Chief Executive Officer), Edward Wilhelm (Chief Financial Officer), Emily Frost (Group Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Barnes & Noble have?
    Barnes & Noble has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Barnes & Noble’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Barnes & Noble includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, President, President.