Staples Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Staples has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, human resources, operations, sales, and customer relations.

Driven by a commitment to empowering workplaces, Staples provides essential products and services that fuel productivity and innovation across diverse business and educational environments.

Leadership Roles at Staples

  • Chief Executive Officer - Rachel Huckle
  • Chief Executive Officer (Canada) - Jens Cermak
  • Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer - Karen Coakley
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sandra Blackwood
  • Chief Operating Officer, US Retail Stores - Timothy Bernicke
  • Customer Relations Specialist & President, Office of - Juanita Lane
  • Broker and President - Dana Staples
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Janice Deskus
  • Chief Sales Officer - Michelle Parzianello
  • Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Chief People Officer - Chris DiOrio
  • Rachel Huckle - Chief Executive Officer

    Rachel Huckle, the Chief Executive Officer at Staples, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution across all business segments. Huckle guides the company's vision, ensuring alignment with market demands for office supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. This leadership role involves optimizing multi-channel operations, encompassing physical retail, e-commerce, and business-to-business services to meet the evolving needs of businesses, educational institutions, and individual consumers. By fostering innovation and driving efficiency, Rachel Huckle ensures Staples maintains its competitive edge in providing comprehensive solutions for modern workplaces and learning environments. The focus remains on expanding market reach and enhancing customer value through strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

    Jens Cermak - Chief Executive Officer (Canada)

    Jens Cermak, the Chief Executive Officer (Canada) at Staples, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the Canadian market. Cermak spearheads initiatives to expand Staples' presence in Canada, focusing on delivering office supplies, technology, furniture, and business services to Canadian businesses and consumers. This leadership role involves adapting the company's comprehensive product and service offerings to meet the specific needs of the Canadian educational and business sectors. By overseeing regional operations, Jens Cermak ensures seamless integration of physical stores, e-commerce platforms, and B2B services. The objective is to drive growth and enhance customer satisfaction across Canada, solidifying Staples' position as a key provider of workplace solutions.

    Karen Coakley - Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Karen Coakley, the Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer at Staples, provides critical administrative and strategic support across key executive functions. Coakley facilitates the seamless operation of executive leadership, ensuring alignment between the CEO, CFO, and CHRO on strategic initiatives related to office supplies, technology, and business services. This multifaceted role involves managing complex schedules, coordinating high-level meetings, and supporting the execution of operational plans across retail, e-commerce, and B2B channels. By ensuring efficient communication and workflow, Karen Coakley is instrumental in supporting the delivery of comprehensive solutions to businesses, educational institutions, and consumers, thereby contributing to the overall success of Staples.

    Sandra Blackwood - Chief Financial Officer

    Sandra Blackwood, the Chief Financial Officer at Staples, oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Blackwood manages capital allocation and investment strategies to support the company's growth objectives across its retail, e-commerce, and B2B service channels. This critical position involves ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving financial performance to meet the needs of businesses, educational institutions, and consumers. By analyzing market trends and economic conditions, Sandra Blackwood provides strategic financial guidance to support the company's comprehensive range of products and services. The objective is to maintain financial stability and enhance shareholder value through disciplined financial management and strategic planning.

    Timothy Bernicke - Chief Operating Officer, US Retail Stores

    Timothy Bernicke, the Chief Operating Officer, US Retail Stores at Staples, directs the operational strategy and performance of all physical retail locations across the United States. Bernicke focuses on optimizing the in-store customer experience, managing inventory, and driving sales of office supplies, technology, and furniture. This role is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of Staples' brick-and-mortar presence, supporting businesses, educational institutions, and individual consumers. By implementing efficient store management practices and enhancing operational workflows, Timothy Bernicke ensures that US retail stores remain a vital channel for delivering Staples' comprehensive product and service offerings. The objective is to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction within the retail segment.
    Timothy Bernicke

    Juanita Lane - Customer Relations Specialist & President, Office of

    Juanita Lane, the Customer Relations Specialist & President, Office of at Staples, champions customer satisfaction and oversees key relationship management initiatives. Lane focuses on enhancing the customer experience across all touchpoints, ensuring that businesses, educational institutions, and individual consumers receive exceptional service and support for office supplies, technology, and business services. This role involves developing strategies to build loyalty and address customer needs effectively. By leading initiatives that strengthen client partnerships, Juanita Lane ensures Staples maintains its reputation for reliability and customer-centricity. The objective is to foster long-term relationships and drive repeat business through superior customer engagement and problem resolution.

    Dana Staples - Broker and President

    Dana Staples, the Broker and President at Staples, leads strategic brokerage operations and oversees key business development initiatives. Staples focuses on identifying and securing new market opportunities, driving growth in the provision of office supplies, technology, and business services. This leadership position involves cultivating strategic partnerships and managing complex transactions to expand the company's reach. By leveraging expertise in brokerage and market analysis, Dana Staples ensures Staples remains competitive and responsive to evolving customer demands. The objective is to enhance the company's market position and drive sustainable growth through innovative business strategies and effective relationship management.

    Janice Deskus - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Janice Deskus, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Staples, leads all human capital management initiatives, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee engagement. Deskus shapes the organizational culture and ensures the workforce is equipped to support Staples' mission of providing office essentials, technology, and business services. This role is pivotal in aligning HR strategies with business objectives across physical stores, e-commerce, and B2B operations. By fostering a supportive and productive work environment, Janice Deskus drives employee retention and cultivates a high-performing team essential for serving businesses, educational institutions, and home office workers. The emphasis is on building a robust talent pipeline and promoting professional growth throughout the organization.
    Janice Deskus

    Michelle Parzianello - Chief Sales Officer

    Michelle Parzianello, the Chief Sales Officer at Staples, leads the global sales organization, driving revenue growth across all customer segments. Parzianello develops and executes sales strategies for office supplies, technology products, furniture, and business services, targeting small businesses, large enterprises, and educational institutions. This position involves building and managing high-performing sales teams, fostering strong client relationships, and identifying new market opportunities. By overseeing the entire sales funnel, Michelle Parzianello ensures that Staples effectively meets the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. The focus is on expanding market share and delivering exceptional value through tailored sales approaches and strategic account management.

    Chris DiOrio - Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Chief People Officer

    Chris DiOrio, the Vice President, Strategic Sourcing & Chief People Officer at Staples, manages critical supply chain functions and oversees human resources strategy. DiOrio optimizes sourcing processes to ensure the cost-effective procurement of office supplies, technology, and furniture, while also driving talent management initiatives. This dual role is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and workforce development across Staples' diverse business channels. By securing competitive supplier agreements and cultivating a skilled workforce, Chris DiOrio supports the company's mission to provide comprehensive solutions to businesses and consumers. The focus is on achieving strategic sourcing advantages and fostering a robust talent pool to drive organizational success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Staples Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Staples?
    Staples is led by Rachel Huckle (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jens Cermak (Chief Executive Officer (Canada)) and Karen Coakley (Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Staples’s executive team?
    The executive team of Staples includes leaders such as Rachel Huckle (Chief Executive Officer), Jens Cermak (Chief Executive Officer (Canada)), Karen Coakley (Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Staples have?
    Staples has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Staples’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Staples includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer (Canada), Senior Executive Assistant & Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, US Retail Stores.