Katy, Texas — Academy, Ltd. (d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors), a sports, outdoor and recreation lifestyle retailer, has appointed Ken C. Hicks as chairman and CEO. Departing CEO J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to pursue another opportunity.
“I grew up in Houston with Academy, and I know this company is special because of our mission, values and people. Our philosophy of making sports and outdoors accessible for all for less is differentiated in today’s retail market, and our focus on our customers will continue to drive our success,” says Hicks. “The board and I are extremely grateful for J.K.’s leadership, the senior team he’s built, and how he’s helped position the company for future growth.”
Hicks has been a member of the Academy board of managers and brings over 3 decades of senior merchandising, marketing and operational experience in the retail industry. During his 6-year tenure as chairman and CEO of Foot Locker, he helped develop and deliver on a plan that reversed 3 years of negative same-store sales.
Prior to Foot Locker, Hicks served in leadership positions at several major retail companies, including J.C. Penney, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network and May Department Stores.
For more information, visit www.academy.com.
SOURCE: Academy Sports + Outdoors