Naperville, Ill. - OfficeMax has hired Ronald Lalla as executive VP, chief merchandising officer, effective March 19.

Lalla, formerly chief merchandising officer and chief technology officer for Katz Group, a Canadian drug store chain, will serve as a member of OfficeMax's executive committee and will have responsibility for all aspects of enterprise-wide merchandising, including category management, strategic product planning, global sourcing, private label expansion and cost-of-goods-sold initiatives.

He will report to retail president and executive VP Michael Lewis.

Lalla is OfficeMax's second senior-level hire this month, following the appointment of former ADT division president John Kenning as contract president and executive VP.

In February the No. 3 office-supply chain reported a 76 percent decline in fourth-quarter profits due to inventory markdowns, higher fuel costs, increased promotional activity and one-time charges.