Demos Parneros
Demos Parneros | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Nicosia, Cyprus |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | New York University |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Organization |
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| Website | |
Demos Parneros is an American businessman who was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Barnes & Noble and President of North American stores and online at Staples.[1][2]
Parneros is well-known as a charismatic leader with vast experience in retail and e-commerce business. He helped Staples grow from a one year old startup to a Fortune 100 company.[3] Later, he was appointed CEO of Barnes & Noble, where he developed and led a strategic turnaround centered around an omnichannel strategy, smaller store footprints and a renewed focus on book sales.[4]
As the founder and leader of CityPark LLC, Parneros invests in cutting-edge consumer and retail businesses. He has also previously held positions on the boards of a number of esteemed companies such as KeyBank.[5]
Early life and education
Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, Parneros moved to New York City at the age of nine. He earned a Bachelor of Science in management from New York University and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Career
Parneros started his career at Macy's Inc. and held many executive positions at Staples before joining Barnes and Noble in November 2016.[6]
Staples
Parneros began working at Staples in 1987 as a general manager of the company's first location in New York City. He later held positions in human resources, marketing, merchandising, and retail operations.[7]
Parneros was named president of the company's U.S. Superstores in 2002, with oversight of more than 1,000 locations. Later, he was appointed to lead the 1,800 Staples North American store locations and Staples.com, the company's online store, in 2012.
Modell’s Sporting Goods
Parneros served on the board of Modell’s Sporting Goods from 2012 to 2019.
KeyBank
Parneros served on the board of KeyBank from 2014 to 2018, and was a member of the risk committee.
Barnes & Noble
In November 2016, Parneros joined Barnes & Noble as Chief Operating Officer.[8] He was then appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2017 with responsibility for all company operations, including real estate, publishing, IT systems, brick-and-mortar stores, merchandising, and e-Commerce.[9]
At the time, Barnes & Noble was searching for effective strategies to compete with Amazon and strengthen its retail and digital Nook business. While the brick-and-mortar bookstore market stabilized, the company continued to experience sales and revenue declines. As part of Parneros’ turnaround strategy, Barnes & Noble refocused on book sales and developed and opened smaller store locations to align with its omnichannel sales approach.[10]
City Park LLC
Under Parneros’ leadership, CityPark Investments, LLC has invested in a total of 17 retail, e-commerce, and technology enterprises.[11] He also provides board, advisory and consulting services to startups and early stage companies in the consumer, retail tech and supply chain space.[12]
References
- ↑ Trachtenberg, Jeffrey A. (27 April 2017). "Barnes & Noble Names Demos Parneros as Chief Executive". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ Milliot, Jim. "B&N Will Open Five Prototype Stores in Fiscal 2019". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "Barnes & Noble Names Demos Parneros CEO". Harvard Business School Alumni. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "Facing Growing Losses, Barnes & Noble Is 'Going Small'". Observer. 1 December 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ Alter, Alexandra (27 April 2017). "Barnes & Noble Names Chief Executive, Its Fourth Since 2013". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "Parneros succeeds Harsant at Staples". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ Francis, Jack (1 April 2014). "Demos Parneros, President, North American Stores & Online, Staples | OPI - Office Products International". opi.net. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "KeyCorp Elects Demos Parneros To Board Of Directors". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "Barnes & Noble Appoints Demos Parneros as Chief Operating Officer". Barnes & Noble Inc. 21 November 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ "2018 Commencement Speakers Announced". Endicott Observer. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ Lindner, Matt (27 April 2017). "Barnes & Noble promotes Staples veteran Demos Parneros to CEO". Digital Commerce 360. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ↑ Glynn, Matt (19 July 2018). "KeyCorp reaches $450 million cost-save target from First Niagara deal". Buffalo News. Retrieved 17 February 2024.