Irvine, Calif. — Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. has announced that Jim Conroy plans to step down as chief executive officer (CEO) and president and as a member of the company’s board of directors, effective Nov. 22, 2024, to become CEO of Ross Stores, Inc.
John Hazen, Boot Barn’s current chief digital officer, will assume the role of interim CEO, effective Nov. 22, 2024. Hazen joined the company in 2018 with responsibility for e-commerce, marketing and the customer experience. Additionally, Peter Starrett, Boot Barn’s current chairman of the board of directors, will assume the role of executive chairman, also effective Nov. 22, 2024. Conroy will remain with Boot Barn through Nov. 22, 2024 to assist with an orderly transition.
“John Hazen is very highly regarded within the Boot Barn organization and has a diverse background that includes brand building, digital and store roles,” says Starrett. “He has a strong track record of growing sales and profits both at Boot Barn and prior to joining the company. He also has been extremely instrumental in advancing Boot Barn’s customer-facing technology capabilities including many industry-leading applications of artificial intelligence. I am confident in his ability to step into the role as interim CEO. Personally, I am looking forward to providing oversight and mentorship as executive chairman while the board conducts an internal and external search before making a permanent decision on our next CEO.”
Starrett adds: “The board recognizes the great contributions Jim has made during his tenure as Boot Barn’s CEO. When he assumed the CEO reins 12 years ago, Boot Barn was one of several regional retail chains specializing in western and work products. His focused approach on the execution of our strategic initiatives has led to one of the most exceptional growth stories in the retail industry. Today, Boot Barn is a national chain of 426 stores and the industry leader by a wide margin. On behalf of all Boot Barn partners, we wish Jim continued success in his next endeavor.”
Over the past year, the company opened 15 new stores, bringing its total store count to 425.
“Our fiscal second quarter saw broad-based growth in same store sales, the addition of 15 new stores and a healthy beat to guidance in earnings per diluted share,” Conroy says. “Our team’s excellent execution has driven improving trends across all channels, store geographies and major merchandise classifications, positioning us well for the upcoming holiday season. As we manage through an orderly transition over the next month, I feel great about the condition of the business and am confident in the team’s ability, under John’s leadership, to execute on the four strategic initiatives and to drive future growth in sales and earnings.”
For the fiscal year ending March 29, 2025, the company now expects to open a total of 60 new stores.
Boot Barn is the nation’s leading lifestyle retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The company operates 426 stores in 46 states. For more information, visit www.bootbarn.com.
SOURCE: Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.