PetSmart, LLC has appointed former Foot Locker, Inc. and Academy Sports + Outdoor, Inc. Chief Ken Hicks as president and CEO, effective October 31.
Hicks will also serve on the company’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart,” said 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.”
“Ken Hicks previously served as CEO and Executive Chairman at Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. where under his leadership the business achieved significant sales and profit margin growth, built a strong e-commerce business and completed an initial public offering,” Petsmart wrote in a media release. “Prior to that, he served as CEO of Foot Locker[, Inc]. In both of these roles, he drove meaningful improvements in customer experience, which led to increased sales and profitability and resulted in substantial growth in market value.”
Before 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 graduated from The U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S. Army. He also earned an MBA with highest distinction from Harvard Business School. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Academy Sports + Outdoor.
“I am honored to be joining PetSmart and its talented team of pet-passionate associates,” offered Hicks. “PetSmart has a strong position with its broad assortment of pet products and service offerings, the Treats Rewards program that offers exceptional value for pet parents, and an omni-channel customer experience that allows pet parents to engage with the brand in the manner most convenient to them, including in-store, through the PetSmart mobile app and same-day home delivery options. I am excited about the opportunities in front of us to continue to better serve pet parents and grow the company.”
Alan Schnaid who has been serving as interim CEO, will continue in his leadership role as EVP and CFO.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Alan for his service as interim chief executive officer,” said Svider. “Alan is an exemplary leader, and we are grateful for his continued dedication to PetSmart.”
Images courtesy Petsmart/Ken Hicks
