Katy, Texas — Effective Oct. 23, 2023, Sam J. Johnson, executive vice president of retail operations, has been promoted to president of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc., succeeding Michael P. Mullican, who is stepping down to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. Johnson will continue to report to CEO Steve Lawrence, and his responsibilities will include continued oversight of retail operations and real estate & construction, as well as new responsibility for logistics & supply chain. Mullican will serve the company in an advisory capacity through a brief transition period. …
people
Pittsburgh, Pa. — American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has named the appointment of two executive leaders following the previously announced departure of the company’s executive vice president – chief operations officer, Michael Rempell. Sarah Clarke has been named executive vice president – chief supply chain officer and will be responsible for managing AEO’s global supply chain from sourcing through distribution. Clarke joins AEO from PVH Corporation, where she held the role of global chief supply chain officer. Before joining PVH, Clarke held various leadership roles at Gap Inc. across sourcing, merchandising, …
Spartanburg, S.C. — Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc., has hired Pankaj Patra as chief digital and technology officer (CDTO). This is a newly created enterprise role that will include support for Denny’s and Keke’s. Patra, who joins Denny’s from Brinker International, will be responsible for accelerating Denny’s capabilities across all specialties within the digital, technology and information functions. “Our restaurant teams and our guests rely on technology to enable a seamless experience, which makes the work that our IT team does absolutely critical,” says …
Atlanta — Focus Brands®, parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has added three new leaders to its supply chain, digital and customer engagement functions. The following executives will be leading these key business functions within the company: Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Urvi Patel, senior vice president, customer experience & engagement; and Manuel Valdes, senior vice president, digital, data & marketing technology. “At Focus Brands, we’ve invested in platforms, tools and resources …
Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General Corporation has appointed its former CEO and current board member, Todd Vasos, as its next CEO. Vasos previously served as Dollar General’s CEO from June 2015 until November 2022. He will remain a member of the board of directors, a role he has held since 2015. Vasos succeeds Jeff Owen, whose separation from the company and resignation from its board was effective Oct. 12, 2023. “The board has tremendous respect for Jeff and greatly appreciates his many contributions to the company, especially during his long …
Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has hired Keith Berger as the senior director of information technology. Berger brings with him a wealth of IT experience and proven leadership to the brand. In his role, Berger will spearhead the development and implementation of Sonny’s BBQ’s information technology strategy, provide expert and strategic counsel to the leadership team and drive transformational change and innovation within the company. “We’re excited to welcome Keith and leverage his knowledge and expertise to shape a new vision for technology that supports our people-first strategic priorities,” says …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Superior Group of Companies, Inc. has appointed Soo-Jin Behrstock as the company’s chief information officer (CIO). The appointment was effective Oct. 9, 2023. Behrstock will report to SGC’s chief strategy officer, Phil Koosed. Behrstock, with more than 25 years of broad technology and information systems experience in both business-to-business and e-commerce industries, has an impressive record of strategic thought leadership and transformational implementations. Most recently, she was the chief information officer at King’s Hawaiian, a 70-year-old internationally-renowned bakery. Prior to that, Behrstock served as chief information …
Carlsbad, Calif. — Good Feet Holdings, LLC, a global holdings group of premium wellness brands, including The Good Feet Store and ING Source, has appointed Doug Zarkin as its incoming chief brand officer. He begins his new role on Oct. 15. As chief brand officer, Zarkin will oversee the portfolio of companies within Good Feet Holdings, which encompasses The Good Feet Store and ING Source compression socks, among others. His responsibilities will extend across the entire range of brands, strengthening the equity and footprint of each entity as leaders in …
Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has named Jim Roberts as its new chief financial officer. Roberts will develop and execute financial strategies to support the company’s business plans, as well as lead the finance department, continuing to strategically position Iron Hill as a premier brewery and restaurant group throughout the eastern seaboard. “I am thrilled to announce Jim as our new CFO,” says Chris Westcott, CEO of Iron Hill. “The experience he is bringing to our organization, coupled with his dynamic leadership qualities, will drive profitability and …
Bentonville, Ark. — Walmart has named Rina Hurst as vice president of Walmart GoLocal, Walmart’s delivery service platform. Hurst joins Walmart from Shipt, where she served as chief business officer. Hurst will be responsible for the strategic direction, operations and general management of Walmart GoLocal as it continues to scale in bringing retailers of all sizes reliable, same-day delivery. “Rina brings extensive last-mile and delivery expertise and a track record of building strategic partnerships and accelerating growth. I’m thrilled to welcome Rina to the Walmart team and see the impact …