Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp named Richard A. Johnson as Executive Vice President and Shane O. Starr as Senior Vice President, Operations.

Johnson, 61, has been with the company for 36 years, and has served in an executive capacity for the past 25 years. He served as Senior Vice President, Store Operations since 1992. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Store Operations since 1982. As Executive Vice President, Mr. Johnson will remain involved in all aspects of the Company's business operations, including having responsibility for executive oversight of store and administrative operations.

Starr, 48, has been with the company for 28 years, and has served as Vice President, Operations since 1999. As Senior Vice President, Operations, Mr. Starr will continue to oversee the Company's distribution and store logistical operations, and also will have executive oversight of the Company's management information systems.

“These appointments add greater depth to our tremendously experienced senior executive team,” said Steven G. Miller, the company's chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Both Rich and Shane have contributed significantly to the historic growth and success of our business. We expect to benefit from their continued leadership and experience as we move our business forward.”

Big 5 operates 344 stores in 10 states under the “Big 5 Sporting Goods” name.