Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS) has appointed Matthew Barnes as president of Foot Locker International, effective December 3. Barnes will lead Foot Locker’s international operations, focused on “driving strategic growth, accelerating business momentum and executing targeted turnaround strategies.”
In his position at Foot Locker, which is now part of DKS following its acquisition in September 2025, Barnes will oversee Foot Locker stores, e-commerce and digital businesses across Europe, Asia, Australia, and its licensed stores in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Barnes will report to Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc., who leads the Foot Locker business.
The company said in a media release that Barnes “joins a Foot Locker management team of experienced senior leaders, including longtime former Nike executive Ann Freeman, who leads Foot Locker North America.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Barnes to our outstanding Foot Locker management team as we bring the business back to where it belongs at the top of our industry and position it for its next phase of global growth,” offered Stack. “Matthew’s proven tenure working with prominent global brands to transform and grow their businesses makes him the ideal leader to elevate Foot Locker’s international platform.”
Barnes brings nearly three decades of leadership experience from across the U.S., the UK, Europe, China, and Australia to his new role at Foot Locker. His track record includes “guiding consumer-facing companies through periods of growth and transformation,” including at Aldi, where he began his career as an area manager and held numerous leadership roles, including group CEO and member of the International (Executive) Board of Aldi Süd. Barnes most recently served in the UK CEO role at Tesco from March 2024 until July 2025.
“I am honored to join Foot Locker, a brand with deep recognition across the globe, at such a pivotal and exciting time for the sports retail industry,” said Barnes. “I have a personal passion for sports, and I look forward to working alongside this exceptional leadership team, as well as the talented Foot Locker Stripers and team members to bring innovative experiences and exciting new products to consumers worldwide.”
Barnes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in law and politics from the University of Liverpool.
Images courtesy Footlocker / Aldi Süd Holding
