Academy Sports + Outdoors Announces Upcoming Leadership Changes
Sporting goods and apparel retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors has announced new succession plans, highlighted by a new CEO.
Effective June 1, current president and CEO Ken C. Hicks will transition to the executive chairman of the Academy Sports + Outdoors Board of Directors. Steven P. Lawrence, current executive vice president (EVP) and chief merchandising officer, will become CEO of the company and a member of the board of directors. He will continue to serve as CMO until a successor is selected and appointed.
Michael P. Mullican, EVP and chief financial officer, will become president of the company, and assume additional responsibilities for the strategic planning, logistics & supply chain, legal, compliance, and risk management functions, in addition to his existing financial planning & analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, internal audit, investor relations, loss prevention and customer insights & strategy responsibilities. Mullican will continue to serve as CFO until a successor is selected and appointed.
Finally, Samuel J. Johnson, EVP of Retail Operations, will assume additional responsibilities for the real estate, construction and store design functions.
Under Hicks’ leadership since 2018, Academy has opened 28 new stores and grown both in-store and online sales, according to the company. Lawrence becomes the seventh CEO in Academy's 85-year history. He joined Academy in February 2019.
“I am excited to lead our dedicated team members, who enable Academy to offer our customers the broad, differentiated, value assortment with the excellent service and experience that they expect,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to working with our strong team, who managed our business through several years of extraordinary transformation, growth and performance. Our market position, momentum, team, strategy, and potential give me confidence that Academy will continue to grow and succeed while providing fun for all, as we execute the strategic initiatives we have set under our new long-range plan."
Based in Katy, Texas, Academy operates 269 stores across 18 states.