Office Depot Recognized as Leader in Corporate Supplier Diversity

Office Depot, Inc. (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products, services, and solutions formed by the merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax, today announced that the company was named one of WE (Women’s Enterprise) USA Magazine’s “2014 100 Corporations of the Year.” In addition, Shari Francis, HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) merchandising manager for Office Depot, has been named one of “America’s Top 100 Leaders in Corporate Supplier Diversity” by WE USA, and a “2014 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity” by DiversityPlus Magazine.

Francis was recognized for going above and beyond to push an inclusive supply chain at the company. Her efforts help attract and develop top-notch diverse business enterprises and suppliers, as well as expanding and enhancing opportunities for them.

“We congratulate Shari on receiving this honor,” said Linda Boykin, vice president of merchandising for Office Depot. “She is a true advocate for supply chain diversity at Office Depot and is committed to making personal connections with diverse business owners. With Shari’s guidance, many historically underutilized businesses have been added to our supply chain, reaching customers they otherwise would not have been able to.”

As manager of HUB merchandising, Francis ensures the inclusion of HUBs (certified minority-, women-, disabled-, veteran-owned and small businesses) in Office Depot’s product assortment. She also spearheads Office Depot’s annual HUB catalog, the retail industry’s first catalog dedicated to certified diverse business products.

The company has affiliations with national organizations such as the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other organizations that share Office Depot’s goal of making a positive impact on economic development through supplier diversity.

For more information on Office Depot’s supplier diversity initiatives, please click here.

About Office Depot, Inc.

Formed by the merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax, Office Depot, Inc. is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace – whether your workplace is an office, home, school, or car.

Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.

The company has combined pro forma annual sales of approximately $17 billion, employs more than 60,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 58 countries with more than 2,000 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company’s portfolio of leading brands includes Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Viking, Ativa, TUL, Foray, and DiVOGA.

Office Depot, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.

Additional information about the recently completed merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax can be found at http://officedepotmaxmerger.com.