Phoenix — PetSmart LLC, a leading omnichannel pet retailer, has appointed Ken Hicks as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 31, 2024. Hicks will also serve on the board of directors. He joins the company from Academy Sports + Outdoors.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart,” says Raymond Svider, chairman of the board of directors of PetSmart and chairman of BC Partners. “His depth and breadth of retail experience, visionary leadership and proven track record of creating shareholder value will be invaluable as PetSmart continues to execute on its strategic growth plan.”
Hicks previously served as CEO and executive chairman at Academy Sports + Outdoors. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Foot Locker. Before his time at Foot Locker, Hicks held senior positions at J.C. Penney Company, Inc., Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores Company and McKinsey & Company. Hicks continues to serve on the board of directors of Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Alan Schnaid, who has been serving as interim CEO, will continue in his key leadership role as executive vice president and chief financial officer. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Alan for his service as interim chief executive officer,” says Svider. “Alan is an exemplary leader and we are grateful for his continued dedication to PetSmart.”
PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities.
SOURCE: PetSmart