Katy, Texas — Academy, Ltd. d/b/a Academy Sports + Outdoors, a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, has named James Kevin “J.K.” Symancyk as president and CEO, effective November 2, 2015. Previously, he was president of Meijer Inc.
Symancyk joins Academy after several years serving as president at Meijer Inc. where he led the multi-billion Midwestern superstore’s daily operations. During his time as president of Meijer Inc., he led the organization through a tremendous positive growth phase that resulted in nearly 3 years of positive comp growth, new market expansion and the development of a long-term diversification strategy. Previously, J.K. served in executive roles including chief operating officer at Meijer Inc. where he oversaw retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing. Prior to Meijer Inc., he served in various leadership roles at Sam’s Club, part of Wal-Mart Stores.
“I’m humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to become a part of the Academy Sports + Outdoors family, and I feel fortunate to be succeeding such a charismatic and accomplished leader as Rodney,” says Symancyk. “The future for Academy Sports + Outdoors is truly limitless.”
Symancyk succeeds Rodney Faldyn, who led Academy to extraordinary heights during KKR’s ownership, including growing store count by 50%, launching a new e-commerce platform, implementing a new Oracle retail management system, and, most impressively, driving strong performance by doubling cash flow from earnings during his time as CEO.
Faldyn joined Academy in 2006 as CFO, was promoted to president in 2007 and became CEO when an investment entity controlled by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. acquired a majority interest in Academy in August 2011.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors has had a tremendous growth trajectory during the time of our ownership. We are grateful to Rodney for his innumerable contributions and leadership,” says Nate Taylor, Academy Sports + Outdoors’ chairman of the board of managers and KKR head of retail – Americas.
Academy Sports + Outdoors is a premier sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer with a broad assortment of quality hunting, fishing and camping equipment and gear along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel, patio sets, barbecue grills and much more. The $4 billion company operates over 200 stores throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, where the company is based. For more information, visit academy.com.
SOURCE: Academy Sports + Outdoors