Academy Sports & Outdoors Announced Planned Leadership Succession

Academy Sports & Outdoors announced major leadership succession. Ken Hicks, Chairman President and CEO transitions to Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ken was instrumental in reorganizing, reviving, and planning the future growth of the company.

As a result of Ken’s retirement on June 1, 2023 the following changes will take place at that time:

1. Steven Lawrence (Steve) current EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO) will become CEO and a member of the board of directors. He joined ASO in February 2019 and served as EVP and CMO with responsibility for buying, merchandising, planning and allocation private brands, marketing and advertising. Prior to joining ASO he held leadership positions at Francesca’s, Stage Stores
SSI
JC Penney
JCP
and Foley’s. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame.

2. Michael P. Mullican currently EVP and Chief Financial Officer (CFO
CFO
) will become President and will assume additional responsibilities for strategic planning, logistics, supply chain, legal, compliance and risk management. He will continue his existing responsibilities of financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, internal audit, investor relations, loss prevention and customer strategy. Mr. Mullican joined ASO in 2017. Prior to joining the company, he held leadership positions at Meijer and Family Dollar. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds a J.D. degree from the University of Chicago Law School.

3. Samuel (Sam) Johnson, currently EVP Retail Operations will assume additional responsibilities for real estate, construction and store design. He joined ASO in April 2017, has more than 30 years retail experience and held senior positions with hhgregg and Sears.

Ken Hicks extensive comments include his pride to have had the privilege to lead ASO and that he feels “Academy is solidly positioned for the future”. He is confident that the future is in the right hands. Ken has been impressed by Steve’s dedication to ASO business and his outstanding leadership.

POSTSCRIPT: Ken Hicks (71) will undoubtedly continue to be involved in ASO. He has served ASO since 2018, opened 28 new stores and grew net sales from $4.8 billion in 2018 to $6.4 billion in 2022. He developed strong e-commerce business. His extensive career includes senior positions at Foot Locker
FL
, JC Penney, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network and May Department Stores Company. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School with highest distinction. He is leaving the CEO post also with high distinction and my good wishes for the future.