| Harvard University, AB | |
| Physical Science | |
| Harvard Business School, M.B.A. |
Tom is a Managing General Partner of the Highland Consumer Fund and focuses on retail and consumer services companies. He is also interested in ways technology can be applied to further impact existing businesses. Tom brings to bear his deep understanding of entrepreneurs, new markets, and product innovation in assisting portfolio companies in building successful and enduring companies.
Background Prior to joining Highland, Tom founded Staples and served as CEO for sixteen years and Chairman for three additional years. Tom pioneered the office superstore industry when he wrote the business plans for Staples in 1986. Tom propelled Staples’ business growth through store expansion programs, a delivered office products business, growing international presence, and award-winning e-commerce operations ultimately creating a $19 billion company. Tom also founded Olly Shoes, a leading children’s shoe retailer. Tom currently serves on the boards of CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), Guitar Center, lululemon athletica (Nasdaq: LULU), PETsMART, Inc. (Nasdaq: PETM) and Pharmaca.
