Best of Boston

1999 Best CEO

Tom Stemberg, Staples

Except for his feckless attempt at twisting the Globe‘s arm during the Barnicle scandal, Stemberg has made one right move after another in building his office-supply company into the industry leader. As a topper, he bagged the naming rights to the soon-to-be completed Los Angeles arena—just in time for next year’s Democratic National Convention. At least someone from Boston came out a winner on that deal.