Framingham, Mass. - No. 1 office-supply chain Staples has named former Borders president/CEO Mike Edwards as executive VP of U.S. retail merchandising.

"Mike brings proven leadership, great knowledge and experience to Staples," said Demos Parneros, president of Staples' U.S. retail segment. "Mike will drive innovative merchandising initiatives across our U.S. stores, enabling us to continue to meet the evolving needs of ... millions of small businesses and consumers."

Edwards was chief executive of the Borders bookstore chain until its liquidation last summer. The company was squeezed out by larger rivals Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, and their successful Kindle and Nook e-book platforms.

Before that he served as president/ CEO of Lucy Activewear and held senior leadership roles at Jo-Ann Stores and West Marine.