Ron Sargent

Ron Sargent’s Biography

Ron Sargent serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of The Kroger Co. and is the former CEO and Chairman of Staples Inc. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, and the retail sector.

In 1977, Ron graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts. Two years later, in 1979, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and began working at Kroger. For the next ten years, he held roles in sales, marketing, manufacturing, and strategy at Kroger, gaining valuable insight into store operations. In 1989, Ron accepted the Regional Vice President position at Staples. He remained with the company for nearly three decades, becoming CEO in February 2002.

Throughout his tenure, Ron drew on his leadership and retail expertise to expand Staples’ international and business-to-business operations. He helped the company establish an early lead in e-commerce, generate $8 billion in annual internet sales, and grow into a global office supply retailer.

Ron joined Kroger’s Board in 2006 and served as Lead Director from... Ron Sargent serves as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of The Kroger Co. and is the former CEO and Chairman of Staples Inc. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in corporate governance, strategic planning, and the retail sector.

In 1977, Ron graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts. Two years later, in 1979, he earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and began working at Kroger. For the next ten years, he held roles in sales, marketing, manufacturing, and strategy at Kroger, gaining valuable insight into store operations. In 1989, Ron accepted the Regional Vice President position at Staples. He remained with the company for nearly three decades, becoming CEO in February 2002.

Throughout his tenure, Ron drew on his leadership and retail expertise to expand Staples’ international and business-to-business operations. He helped the company establish an early lead in e-commerce, generate $8 billion in annual internet sales, and grow into a global office supply retailer.

Ron joined Kroger’s Board in 2006 and served as Lead Director from 2018 to 2025. He became Interim CEO and Chairman in March 2025, leading the company in each role until February 2026 and July 2026, respectively, before stepping into his current role as Non-Executive Chairman.

Beyond his executive career, Ron has substantial governance experience. He is a director of Five Below and Wells Fargo, and a former director of Home Depot, Mattel, Aramark, and Yankee Candle. He has been active in education and nonprofit leadership, serving as an Advisor at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, Trustee Emeritus at Northeastern University, and Chair of the Profile in Courage Award Committee for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Previously, Ron chaired the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation’s Board of Directors and served as Vice Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Board of Governors and the City of Hope’s Board of Directors. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Ron Sargent’s Background

The Kroger Co.

Interim CEO

Mar 2025 - Feb 2026

Cincinnati, OH, USA

One of the largest grocery retailers in the United States, The Kroger Company operates approximately 2,800 stores across 35 states. Ron led the company through a leadership transition, leveraging his previous experience in leadership and governance.

Staples Inc.

CEO

Feb 2002 - Jun 2016

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc. is an American retail and business-to-business company that supplies workplace products, technology, and services. Ron’s leadership allowed Staples to experience exceptional growth and significant success in e-commerce.

Staples Inc.

President

1998 - 2006

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc.

COO

1998 - 2002

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc.

President, North American Operations

1997 - 1998

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc.

President of Contract and Commercial

1994 - 1997

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc.

Executive Vice President of Contract and Commercial and Vice President of Staples Direct

1991 - 1994

Framingham, MA, USA

Staples Inc.

Regional Vice President, Operations

1989 - 1991

Framingham, MA, USA

The Kroger Co.

Various Management Roles

1979 - 1989

View all Hide

Board Positions

The Kroger Co.

Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

2026 - Present

Cincinnati, OH, USA

Ron has leveraged his experience in corporate governance and executive leadership on the board of The Kroger Co. since joining as a Director in 2006. In addition to being Non-Executive Chairman of the Board, he is a member of both the Finance and Public Responsibilities Committees.

Wells Fargo

Board Member

2017 - Present

San Francisco, CA, USA

Wells Fargo is a major American multinational financial services company, headquartered in San Francisco, California. Ron is a member of the Audit and Governance and Nominating Committees, and he is Chairman of the HR Committee.

View all Hide

Advisory Roles

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Chair, Profile in Courage Award Committee

2024 - Present

Northeastern University

Trustee Emeritus

2024 - Present

Boston, MA, USA

Originally founded by the Boston Young Men's Christian Association in 1898 as an all-male institute, Northeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

View all Hide

Previous Board Positions

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Board Member & Chairman

2010 - 2026

Boston, MA, USA

Dedicated to the legacy of America's 35th president, the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is the nonprofit partner and creative collaborator of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum. Ron was a Board member from 2010 to 2026 and Chairman from 2018 to 2026.

The Kroger Co.

Chairman of the Board

2025 - 2026

Cincinnati, OH, USA

The Kroger Co.

Lead Director of the Board

2018 - 2025

Cincinnati, OH, USA

City of Hope

Vice Chair of the Board of Directors

2017 - 2025

City of Hope combines clinical care, biomedical research and education, with a focus on cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases. The organization is known for translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Vice Chair of the Board of Governors

2008 - 2023

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national nonprofit youth development organization, providing after-school and summer programs for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged or underserved communities.

Staples Inc.

Member of the Board of Directors & Chairman

1999 - 2017

Framingham, MA, USA

Ron led the Staples Board as Chairman from 2005 to 2017.

The Home Depot

Member of the Board of Directors

2011 - 2012

The Home Depot is a large home improvement specialty retailer globally, selling tools, construction products, appliances, and services.

Mattel, Inc.

Member of the Board of Directors

2004 - 2011

Mattel is a global toy and family entertainment business that designs, manufactures, and markets a large portfolio of consumer brands.

Aramark

Member of the Board of Directors

2002 - 2007

Aramark is a supplier of food, facilities, and uniform services to millions of people, in 19 countries worldwide.

The Yankee Candle Company

Member of the Board of Directors

1999 - 2007

An American manufacturer and retailer of premium scented candles, home fragrances, and candle accessories, Yankee Candle is headquartered in South Deerfield, Massachusetts.

View all Hide