The Finish Line, Inc. announced that its Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, Gary D. Cohen, will retire from the company effective Mar. 29, 2012. Cohen will step down from his role as chief administrative officer and corporate secretary effective Dec. 1, 2011, but will remain with the company during a transition period ending Mar. 29, 2012.
Cohen, 59, has been with The Finish Line, Inc. since 1997, first serving as General Counsel and later in his current role as Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary. During his career with the company, Cohen assembled its internal legal department, and in his role as Secretary, he worked with the board of directors as its liaison to management. Cohen was also one of the original founders of the Finish Line Youth Foundation and served as President of the non-profit organization in 2008 and 2009. Most recently, Cohen led the $8.5 acquisition of a chain of 18 specialty running shops operating under banners such as Greater Boston Running Company, Texas Running Company, Georgetown Running Company, Princeton Running Company and others.
“Gary has been an integral part of our company’s growth and success,” said Glenn Lyon, chairman and chief executive officer. “Over the years, he has served as a trusted legal advisor, insightful liaison to our board and was part of business development efforts aligned with our growth strategy. We appreciate his contributions and wish him well as he moves toward this next chapter of his life.”
“It is appropriate for me to transition from my leadership role at this time,” Cohen said. “Departing from the company immediately after the fiscal year is completed allows for an orderly transition of my responsibilities. I enjoyed my time with the company and look ahead to pursuing new opportunities moving forward. I wish Finish Line success with its long-term growth initiatives.”
