Office Depot post goes to Smith, not Nardelli

Office Depot announced its new CEO -- and it's not Bob Nardelli.

The office products company resulting from the merger of OfficeMax and Office Depot appointed Roland C. Smith as chairman and CEO, the company announced.

Previously, former Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli had received consideration for the post.

Most recently, Smith was the CEO and president of Delhaize America, LLC, which is the U.S. division of Delhaize Group. Delhaize America produces over $18 billion in annual revenue through its U.S. supermarkets, including Food Lion and Hannaford.

While at Delhaize, Smith orchestrated the successful integration of the major supermarket chains owned by Delhaize, including successful dispositions of three of the chains, thereby materially improving profitability and driving substantial shareholder value creation at Delhaize Group.

Previously, Smith was president and CEO of The Wendy’s Company; president and CEO of Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc.; and CEO of Wendy's International, Inc.

“I am honored to accept the position of chairman and CEO of Office Depot, Inc.,” said Smith. “With the combined resources of Office Depot and OfficeMax, we have the ability to transform the company and create an exciting new organization that exceeds the needs and desires of our customers, provides new opportunities for our global associates, becomes a more appealing partner to our vendors, and increases value for our shareholders.”