Salem's Paul Pinto Named To Executive Position At Ocean State Job Lot

SALEM, MA — Salem resident Paul Pinto has joined Ocean State Job Lot as Head of People, the retailer announced. In the new role, Pinto will oversee the company's Human Resources Department and lead its people strategy across the organization.

Pinto will support organizational development, workforce engagement, talent management and associate relations. The company said the hire comes as Ocean State Job Lot builds on recent national workplace recognition, including being named a 2026–2027 Best Company to Work For in the Consumer Products category by U.S. News & World Report.

The company also ranked first in the Enterprise category and seventh overall in the 2026 Inspiring Workplaces Awards, and earned Gold Honoree status as a 2026 US Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

"Paul brings tremendous experience building strong, people-focused organizations and supporting large, diverse workforces," said Bob Selle, Vice President, Ocean State Job Lot. "As we build on the momentum of recent national recognition for our workplace culture, his background in retail, distribution and workforce development will be an invaluable asset as we continue investing in our associates and strengthening what makes Ocean State Job Lot such a special place to work.

"We are excited to welcome him to the team."

Ocean State Job Lot said Pinto brings more than 30 years of human resources leadership experience in retail, distribution and warehousing, hospitality and technology. He most recently served as principal and founder of CultureSync LLC, a strategic human resources consulting firm focused on culture transformation, organizational effectiveness and leadership development.

Before that, Pinto served as Global Vice President of Strategic People Development and University@Peloton at Peloton Interactive, where the company said he founded a workforce development platform for warehouse, distribution and transportation associates.

He also spent more than 13 years in senior human resources leadership roles with Starbucks Coffee Company and earlier held human resources and labor relations leadership roles with Omni Hotels.

"Ocean State Job Lot has built an exceptional culture grounded in its commitment to associates, customers and the communities it serves," said Pinto. "I'm honored to join the company and look forward to working with leaders and associates across the organization to build upon that strong foundation, create meaningful opportunities for professional growth and support the company's continued success."

Pinto holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration and has completed master’s-level coursework in human resource management and labor relations at Harvard University.

His professional credentials include Senior Professional in Human Resources, Certified Labor Relations Professional, and International Coaching Federation Certified Executive Coach.