MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 15, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Navarre Corporation
(Nasdaq:NAVR), a leading distributor, provider of complete logistics
solutions, and publisher of computer software, announced today that its
board of directors has appointed Richard S Willis as the Company's
President and Chief Executive Officer. Willis has been a member of
Navarre's Board of Directors since February 2011 and will continue as
the director of the Company.

"After a comprehensive search process, the Board is pleased to have
found the best individual to assume the leadership of Navarre," said
Tim Gentz, chair of the Board's Governance and Nominating Committee and
its Chairman Elect. "Richard has a strong track record of creating
value for shareholders. This combined with his deep distribution
industry knowledge makes Richard uniquely qualified to successfully
lead Navarre into the future.

"Richard was by far the best choice from a deep pool of highly
interested and qualified candidates. He's been a successful executive
in a number of challenging and varied situations and he's a great fit
with each of the critical leadership competencies that we evaluated as
part of our selection process. We're very pleased that he has accepted
the position," continued Gentz.

"I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this outstanding
group of hard-working, talented employees," said Willis. "I look
forward to a new chapter of growth for Navarre. The Company's
exceptional reputation of providing high-levels of service while
reducing costs for its business partners has provided it with a strong
market position. This is a terrific and challenging opportunity that
any leader would welcome."

Willis, 51, has more than 20 years of executive experience in retail,
distribution and publishing. He most recently served as the executive
chairman of Charlotte Russe. He previously served as chief executive
officer for a number of companies including Baker & Taylor Corporation,
Troll Communications, and Bell Sports. His prior experience also
includes service as the chief financial officer of several magazine
companies, including Petersen Publishing, which he helped take public.
Willis holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a
master's degree in business administration from Baylor University,
where he also serves currently as a regent.

About Navarre Corporation

Navarre(R) is a distributor and provider of complete logistics
solutions for traditional and internet-based retail channels. Our
solutions support both direct-to-consumer and business-to-business
sales. We also publish computer software through our Encore(R)
subsidiary. Navarre was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Navarre Corporation logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6839


CONTACT: Navarre Investor Relations
         763-535-8333
         ir@navarre.com