Ocean State Job Lot Names Paul Pinto Head of People

In his new role, Pinto will oversee Ocean State Job Lot’s Human Resources Department, leading the company’s people strategy and supporting organizational development, workforce engagement, talent management and associate relations across the organization.

Pinto joins Ocean State Job Lot as the company builds on recent national recognition for workplace excellence, including being named a 2026–2027 Best Company to Work For in the Consumer Products category by U.S. News & World Report^®, ranking first in the Enterprise category and seventh overall in the 2026 Inspiring Workplaces Awards, and earning 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.”

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

Previously, Pinto served as Global Vice President of Strategic People Development and University@Peloton at Peloton Interactive. In that role, he founded a workforce development platform designed to create career pathways for warehouse, distribution and transportation associates.

Pinto also spent more than 13 years in senior human resources leadership roles with Starbucks Coffee Company, where he helped lead people strategy for a large, multi-location retail workforce. Earlier in his career, he held progressive 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.

About Ocean State Job Lot:

Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 175 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, nearly 7,000 employees, and annual sales exceeding $900 million. OSJL shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand-name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price.

The company was named a five-time “Best Employer” by Forbes^® Magazine*, a six-time U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a five-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and three-time Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes^®.

The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need.

Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: 401-295-2672. Website: www.oceanstatejoblot.com.