Business News
OfficeMax Names Ravi K. Saligram President & Chief Executive Officer and Director
Thursday 14. October 2010 - OfficeMax Appoints Rakesh Gangwal Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
OfficeMax Incorporated (NYSE: OMX) today announced that the company’s Board of Directors has named Ravi K. Saligram as President & Chief Executive Officer and Director effective November 8, 2010. Mr. Saligram will replace Sam Duncan who will step down as Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer and Director effective November 7, 2010. Mr. Duncan, who had earlier in the year announced his plans to retire, will continue to be employed as a special advisor to the company until February 28, 2011. Additionally, the company announced that Rakesh Gangwal, currently Lead Director, has been named Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, effective November 8, 2010.
Mr. Duncan stated, “I am very pleased that Ravi is joining OfficeMax. I believe that his knowledge and expertise in managing professional services operations and growing businesses and brands make him an excellent choice to lead OfficeMax through its next phase.”
“The Board is delighted to welcome Ravi to OfficeMax,” said incoming Non-Executive Chairman of the Board Rakesh Gangwal. “Ravi, with his proven track record of leadership and growing businesses, is the right person to lead OfficeMax into the future. Also, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank Sam for his strong leadership and substantial contributions to OfficeMax during his tenure.”
Mr. Saligram commented, “Over the past five years under Sam Duncan’s leadership, OfficeMax has completed a successful turnaround and strengthened its business. I am excited to be joining OfficeMax as the company continues to capitalize on opportunities for long-term growth and success. I look forward to partnering with the management team and our dedicated associates to evolve the company to the next level through innovation and a commitment to serving consumers and business customers.”
Mr. Saligram, 54, joins OfficeMax from Aramark Corporation where he most recently served as President of Aramark International, Chief Globalization Officer and Executive Vice President of the corporation. Prior to joining Aramark in 2003, Mr. Saligram held various leadership positions at InterContinental Hotels Group and SC Johnson Wax. Mr. Saligram started his career in advertising at the Leo Burnett Company. Mr. Saligram is currently a Board Member of Church & Dwight (NYSE: CHD), a consumer and specialty products company with leading brands such as ARM & HAMMER. He is also a Board Member and Vice Chairman of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and is a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of Eisenhower Fellowships. Mr. Saligram earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Bangalore University in India and holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan.