From Wikitia - Reading time: 4 minDemos Parneros | |
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| 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]
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.
Parneros started his career at Macy's Inc. and held many executive positions at Staples before joining Barnes and Noble in November 2016.[6]
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.
Parneros served on the board of Modell’s Sporting Goods from 2012 to 2019.
Parneros served on the board of KeyBank from 2014 to 2018, and was a member of the risk committee.
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]
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]