Barnes & Noble Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barnes & Noble has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, and 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 - Noel Barnes
  • President - Rebecca LaFleur
  • Newly-Created Post of President - Alan Kahn
  • Chief Information Officer - Carlo Pochintesta
  • James Daunt - Chief Executive Officer

    James Daunt, the Chief Executive Officer at Barnes & Noble, directs the overarching strategy and vision for the company's extensive retail operations. Overseeing the nationwide network of bookstores, Daunt focuses on enhancing the customer experience through thoughtfully designed store layouts that encourage discovery and engagement. This leadership role involves driving initiatives to connect readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge, reinforcing the company's mission to foster a love of reading. By ensuring operational excellence across all locations, James Daunt supports the creation of meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, solidifying Barnes & Noble's position as a cultural retailer.
    James Daunt

    Edward Wilhelm - Chief Financial Officer

    Edward Wilhelm, the Chief Financial Officer at Barnes & Noble, manages the company's financial strategy and operations across its extensive retail network. Overseeing fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, Wilhelm ensures the economic health of the organization, supporting its mission to connect readers with stories and knowledge. This leadership position involves driving financial discipline to facilitate the introduction of thoughtfully designed stores and enhance customer engagement nationwide. By optimizing resource allocation and financial performance, Edward Wilhelm contributes directly to creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, reinforcing Barnes & Noble's role as a cultural retailer dedicated to fostering a love of reading.

    Emily Frost - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Emily Frost, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Barnes & Noble, directs the financial oversight and strategic planning for the company's diverse retail operations. Overseeing group-level financial performance, Frost ensures robust fiscal management that supports the company's mission to connect readers with knowledge and foster a love of reading across the United States. This executive function involves driving financial initiatives that enable the development of welcoming spaces for discovery and engagement in communities nationwide. By maintaining strong financial controls and identifying growth opportunities, Emily Frost contributes to the creation of meaningful customer experiences for all ages, solidifying Barnes & Noble's impact as a cultural retailer.

    Noel Barnes - President

    Noel Barnes, the President at Barnes & Noble, drives operational strategies across the company's extensive retail footprint. Overseeing key business units, Barnes focuses on enhancing the customer journey within thoughtfully designed stores that serve as welcoming spaces for discovery and learning nationwide. This leadership role involves ensuring the effective execution of initiatives aimed at connecting readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge, thereby fostering a love of reading. By optimizing store performance and customer engagement, Noel Barnes contributes to creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, reinforcing Barnes & Noble's commitment as a cultural retailer.
    Noel Barnes

    Rebecca LaFleur - President

    Rebecca LaFleur, the President at Barnes & Noble, spearheads strategic initiatives focused on expanding the company's reach and impact within the book retail sector. Overseeing critical operational segments, LaFleur ensures that Barnes & Noble continues to evolve by introducing thoughtfully designed stores that serve as welcoming spaces for discovery and engagement nationwide. This executive position involves driving efforts to connect readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge, thereby cultivating a deeper love of reading. By focusing on customer-centric strategies and operational efficiency, Rebecca LaFleur contributes to creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, reinforcing the company's mission as a cultural retailer.

    Alan Kahn - Newly-Created Post of President

    Alan Kahn, the Newly-Created Post of President at Barnes & Noble, directs the strategic development and implementation of new market opportunities. Overseeing the exploration and integration of innovative retail concepts, Kahn focuses on enhancing the company's ability to connect readers with stories, ideas, and knowledge across the United States. This pivotal role involves driving the evolution of Barnes & Noble by introducing thoughtfully designed stores that serve as welcoming spaces for discovery, learning, and engagement nationwide. By fostering strategic partnerships and expanding service offerings, Alan Kahn contributes to creating meaningful experiences for customers of all ages, reinforcing the company's mission to foster a love of reading.

    Carlo Pochintesta - Chief Information Officer

    Carlo Pochintesta, the Chief Information Officer at Barnes & Noble, architects the technology infrastructure supporting the company's nationwide retail presence. Overseeing all aspects of information systems, Pochintesta ensures the seamless integration of digital and physical store operations, enhancing customer discovery and engagement. This critical role involves driving technological innovation to support the company's mission of connecting readers with knowledge and fostering a love of reading. By optimizing data management and cybersecurity, Carlo Pochintesta safeguards the company's digital assets and supports the creation of meaningful customer experiences across all age groups, contributing to Barnes & Noble's evolution as a cultural retailer.

    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 7 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.