Academy Sports + Outdoors announced that Steven P. Lawrence has been appointed executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, effective February 11.

“In his new role, Steve will lead the company in our efforts to be the power merchandiser of sports and outdoors,” said Ken Hicks, Academy Sports + Outdoors chairman, president and chief executive officer. “His depth of retail experience, focus on sales and execution, and overall leadership style will serve us well as we execute our new long range plan. Steve will be a key player in helping us achieve our company vision to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country.”

Lawrence will oversee the buying, planning & allocation, pricing and sourcing departments.

“As a longtime Texan and Academy customer, I have a deep passion for the brand,” said Lawrence. “I am humbled and thrilled to join the company in its mission to provide fun for all through strong assortments, value, and experience. I look forward to driving Academy toward its tremendous growth potential working alongside a strong leadership group, team members and supplier community.”

Prior to joining Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lawrence was president and chief executive officer at Francesca’s, the women’s apparel and accessories chain.  On January 31, Francesca’s Holdings Corp. said Lawrence was resigning from the company to pursue other opportunities, effective Feb. 1 while also announcing it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the company or a financing or refinancing. Francesca’s in December announced plans to close up to 40 underperforming stores this year amid disappointing sales.

From May 2012 to September 2016, he served as chief merchandising officer at Stage Stores. Steve also spent nearly 12 years working in various merchandising leadership roles at J.C. Penney after 10 years at Foley’s.

Lawrence replaces Michelle Gloeckler, who joined Academy from Wal-Mart in August 2016 as EVP, chief merchandising officer and president of Academy International Limited, the retailer’s sourcing arm. Hicks was appointed CEO in May 2018.

Academy Sports + Outdoors has more than 250 locations.

Top Image courtesy Academy Sports, headshot courtesy Stage Stores