Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd., the parent of SportChek and Helly Hansen, appointed Greg Hicks as president and chief executive officer of Canadian Tire Corporation, and to the Board of Directors of the company, effective immediately. Hicks most recently served as president, Canadian Tire Retail (CTR), the company’s largest business representing over $9 billion in revenue.
Stephen Wetmore is retiring, effective immediately, after nine years as CEO. His first stint was between 2009 and 2014, the second from July 2016.
“The appointment of Greg Hicks follows a rigorous global search process that considered a number of high quality internal and external candidates. The lens that the Search Committee adopted in evaluating the candidates focused on the strategic priorities of the company and the key characteristics required to address them,” said Maureen Sabia, chairman of Canadian Tire Corporation.
“In Greg Hicks, the company has selected a world-class leader with a strategic mindset, a proven ability to build high-performing teams and deliver exceptional results. Greg brings a deep understanding of the CTC business model and strategic priorities, a relentless focus on the customer and tremendous commercial acumen. Greg has been instrumental in the development and implementation of our very successful digital and eCommerce strategy and played a lead role in our company’s focus on customer data and analytics. His strong relationship with Canadian Tire’s Associate Dealers, and his leadership of our Operational Efficiency program, will be of key importance in his role as CEO,” added Sabia.
Hicks said: “I want to thank the Board for demonstrating its confidence in me. I am very excited and proud to take on this critical role in a company that has meant so much to me and my family. Importantly, I want to thank Stephen Wetmore for his leadership, mentorship and vision. I am fortunate to be taking on my new role on the foundation of a proven business strategy, strong executive team, and dedicated Dealers and employees that will support our ambitious plans for future growth.”
Hicks brings over 20 years of retail experience in senior leadership positions, including seven years at CTC. As president of CTR, Hicks oversaw all aspects of the business including building a multi-billion-dollar Owned Brands portfolio. Previously, he was Canadian Tire’s Group Senior VP, Consumer Products & Retail Experience, where he led the general merchandise and Automotive businesses and was also responsible for managing store experience, store operations, product sourcing and quality, including the management of the company’s Pacific Rim offices in Asia. In addition, he has held roles in private equity in small to mid-size Canadian retail businesses. Currently, Hicks serves as Chair of the Retail Council of Canada and as a CT REIT Trustee.
Stephen Wetmore is also stepping down as a member of the Board, having first been elected in 2003. Wetmore will act as an advisor to the company as Honourary Director until the end of 2020 to ensure a smooth transition.
“Stephen has been a key architect of the business strategy that drives our continued exceptional performance. He is a once-in-a-generation leader, and I was privileged to work with him as a Board member and to support him throughout his two terms as CEO. On behalf of the Board and all our employees, I want to thank Stephen for his enormous contribution to Canadian Tire and for his continued support of Greg during the transition process,” continued Sabia.
Canadian Tire Corporation’s retail segment includes Canadian Tire; Mark’s, a leading source for casual and industrial wear; Pro Hockey Life, a hockey specialty store catering to elite players; SportChek, Hockey Experts, Sports Experts, National Sports, Intersport and Atmosphere, which offer activewear brands; and Party City Canada. In addition, CTC owns and operates Helly Hansen sportswear and workwear based in Oslo, Norway.
