Shifting Pages: Jackie De Leo Departs Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble bids farewell to chief merchandising officer Jackie De Leo, who stepped down earlier this week after nearly five years of transformative leadership. CEO James Daunt shared the news internally, expressing both regret and gratitude. “Jackie’s leadership has been inspiring, and her contribution to Barnes & Noble’s success inestimable,” Daunt said.

De Leo joined in 2020 and played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s stores and strategies during a crucial period for the bookseller. Her departure marks a significant transition for Barnes & Noble, which has been riding a wave of renewed growth and relevance in recent years.

In the interim, the company has asked publishers to direct immediate queries to Lindsay Bogard, associate director of commercial strategy and head of children’s and YA books. Bogard will manage responsibilities until further restructuring is announced.

De Leo’s exit follows another major leadership departure in October when Stephanie Fryling, VP of commercial strategy and category management, left after 12 years to join Penguin Random House.

These shifts signal a changing era at Barnes & Noble as the retailer continues to evolve under Daunt’s leadership. For now, all eyes are on how the company will reorganize to maintain its momentum and further its role in the publishing and bookselling landscape.