Barnes & Noble Education Appoints New Leadership to Drive Strategic Growth

Christopher Neumann joins BNED from Six Flags, where he served as General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. His tenure at Six Flags included pivotal moments such as navigating the company's $8 billion merger with Cedar Fair, highlighting his capability in managing complex legal and corporate governance issues in fast-paced environments. Prior to his role at Six Flags, Neumann was Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Kaplan, an international educational services provider, where he oversaw North American legal functions.

Neumann's extensive experience is expected to bolster BNED's legal framework, business strategy, governance, and risk management processes. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Vermont and a Juris Doctor degree from St. John’s University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and contributed to the *St. John’s Law Review*.

Gary Luster steps into the role of Chief Accounting Officer with a robust background in accounting and finance. His experience spans several high-profile companies including TerrAscend, Capri Holdings, and Tiffany & Co. Luster is recognized for successfully leading financial transformations and optimizing reporting structures, which are vital for supporting business growth in large-scale, multi-location retailers.

Luster holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University, and he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). His leadership is anticipated to enhance BNED’s operational efficiencies and ensure long-term fiscal resilience.

Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer of BNED, expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointments, stating, "Chris and Gary significantly enhance the depth and capabilities of BNED’s leadership team as we continue to drive operational improvements across our business." He elaborated on how their combined expertise will be instrumental in optimizing processes, mitigating risks, and aligning strategies with industry best practices, ultimately positioning BNED for sustained growth and increased shareholder value.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. is a leading solutions provider for the education sector, dedicated to enhancing affordability, access, and achievement for students at academic institutions nationwide. The company serves millions of students, faculty, and institutions through its diverse offerings, including campus retail services and academic solutions, aimed at fostering educational success and societal advancement.

In summary, the strategic appointments of Christopher Neumann and Gary Luster mark a pivotal moment for Barnes & Noble Education as it aims to strengthen its leadership capabilities, enhance operational efficiencies, and ensure a robust legal and financial framework to support its mission in the educational landscape.