New CEO Takes Helm Of Tandy Corp./RadioShack

Leonard Roberts, 49, formally became president and CEO of Tandy Corp./Radio Shack (Fort Worth, TX), on Jan. 1, 1999. Roberts recently completed a new organization structure for the company and established a new senior management team that reports directly to him.

"Traditionally, RadioShack was a one-anchor concept with its parts and accessories business," Roberts says. "We've expanded that to include strategic alliances with Sprint and Compaq Computer Corp. and we are looking ahead to new partnerships designed to bring high-speed Internet connections, video telephony, and advanced audio/video technology into homes throughout America."

Under the direction of the management team, the company is also working to realize four key goals, which comprise the Tandy/RadioShack vision. The goals are to be the most admired retailer in America; to lead the industry in shareholder return; to be an outstanding corporate citizen; and to be the best company to work for in America.

Since joining Tandy Corp., Roberts has re-positioned RadioShack as a service provider dedicated to demystifying technology for the mass market. Under his guidance, strategic alliances were formed to create store-within-a-store concepts including the Sprint Store at RadioShack and the Compaq Creative Learning Centers. RadioShack is now a dominant player in the wireless phone market with a 70% market share at the retail level and is the leading seller of cellular and PCS digital phones. It is also the largest retail channel for Compaq home computers and is the biggest retailer of satellite TV systems.

Roberts joined Tandy as president of RadioShack in 1993. He was named president of Tandy Corp. in January 1996 and was elected to the Tandy board of directors in February 1997. He was named CEO-elect of Tandy Corp. in April 1998.

Prior to joining Tandy, he served as chairman and CEO of Shoney's Inc. and president and CEO of Arbys, Inc. Roberts is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he earned degrees in marketing and chemistry. He also earned a law degree from De Paul University Law School in Chicago and was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1974.

Among the many honors that Roberts has received are the 1987 Presidential Private Sector Initiative Award from President Ronald Reagan; and the Wall Street Bronze Critics Award in 1992.

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