Discover the incredible journey of Jeanne Lewis, promoted to the position of senior vice president of marketing at Staples, Inc. after six years of dedication. At the heart of a turbulent period marked by an attempted merger with Office Depot, her role involved navigating a competitive environment and instilling a momentum for change within the company. This case study highlights the challenges she faced to transform the marketing department, thereby redefining the corporate strategy while cultivating a culture of growth and innovation.
The impact of Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc.
After six years of experience at Staples, Inc., Jeanne Lewis was promoted to senior vice president of marketing. At this stage, she benefited from a fifteen-month transition period alongside her predecessor. Arriving at a time when the company was emerging from a period of legal disputes and challenges, Jeanne was tasked with enhancing the company’s competitiveness in an increasingly complex market.
In this case study, we discover how she managed change in an environment undergoing reinvention. She successfully transformed the marketing department to enable Staples to maintain its core business, focusing on a scalable approach during her tenure. This period was crucial for laying a solid foundation in the face of growing competition.
The impact of Jeanne Lewis at Staples, Inc.
After six years of experience at Staples, Inc., Jeanne Lewis was promoted to senior vice president of marketing. This turning point in her career reveals significant potential for the company, particularly in a context of intense competition. During a fifteen-month period, she worked alongside her predecessor, familiarizing herself with internal dynamics and upcoming challenges. This transfer of power provided a unique opportunity for Lewis to understand how the organization operates while bringing her vision.
The challenges she faced
Finding herself at the helm of a marketing team following a period of complex litigation, Lewis had to navigate a tumultuous environment. Her goal was clear: to maintain Staples’ competitiveness in the market while managing a necessary change. She had to adopt a scalable approach, allowing her department to adapt and excel in a constantly evolving world. Her ability to address resistance and inspire her team was essential in driving positive change within the organization.
The strategies implemented
To revitalize the marketing department, Lewis boldly made strategic decisions, including renewing up to 75% of the product assortment. This strategy proved crucial in establishing a new image for Staples, allowing the company to differentiate itself in a saturated market. Her interventions were also marked by a commitment to focus efforts on innovation and customer engagement, resulting in tangible outcomes within the company.
