Organizational changes at NY-based athletic retailer

27 May '11

3 min read

Foot Locker Inc, the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, announced a series of organizational changes designed to enhance its focus on its two key business units – retail stores and direct-to-customer, and to strengthen the operations supporting each unit. The changes will take effect as of July 1, 2011.

Specifically the Company will:

• Consolidate the reporting of all its retail store businesses under Richard A. Johnson, who will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Group President – Retail Stores with responsibility for all of the Company's domestic and international store banners.
• Elevate its direct-to-customer business unit to report directly to Ken C. Hicks, its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer; and
• Consolidate its key operational areas, under Robert W. McHugh, who will be promoted to the new position of Executive Vice President – Operations Support, with responsibility for Information Systems and Technology, Real Estate, Logistics, Sourcing and Team Edition.

Mr. Hicks said, "This senior management reorganization will allow us to focus our key business units on improving our execution and continue to build on the success of our businesses. In particular, consistent with our strategic priorities, it will also enable us to strengthen our brands and put more emphasis on our high potential growth areas of .com and international development."

In conjunction with announcements, the Company said that Lauren B. Peters will be promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Mr. McHugh, who had held the position since 2005. Ms. Peters was previously Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, a position she has held since 2002, where she helped to lead the development and implementation of our current long-range strategy.

Hicks said, "It is a tribute to our deep and highly talented bench of management talent that we are able to make these significant changes within our organization. As we work together to take advantage of the opportunities ahead, I am sure that these moves will provide strong opportunities for our Company and our associates."

Mr. Johnson currently serves as President and CEO – Foot Locker U.S., Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Footaction, and has been with the company since 1997. Succeeding Mr. Johnson in his current position is Stephen "Jake" Jacobs, President and CEO of Champs Sports. Bryon Milburn will assume those responsibilities from Mr. Jacobs, and Mr. Milburn will be succeeded as Managing Director – Foot Locker Canada by Nick Jones, who is currently General Merchandise Manager of Foot Locker Europe.

Ronald J. Halls, currently President and CEO – Foot Locker, Inc. – International, will retire later this summer. Mr. Hicks stated, "Ron has made a number of important contributions to the Company during his 11-year tenure at Foot Locker, Inc. and we thank him for his leadership and hard work. We wish Ron the best on his well-deserved retirement."

Foot Locker, Inc. is a specialty retailer that operates approximately 3,400 stores in 22 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports and CCS retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay/CCS, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

Foot Locker Inc

More Foot Locker Inc News... More Apparel/Garments News - United States Of America...