Genesco, Inc. announced the retirement of Journeys Group president Mario Gallione at the end of the company’s fiscal year, with an expected effective date of February 2024.
In addition, Mike Sypert was named Journeys’ chief operating officer responsible for assisting in the change of leadership and assuming day-to-day responsibilities for Journeys, Journeys Kidz and Little Burgundy’s business, including stores and websites in the U.S. and Canada. Sypert is a 34-year company veteran who, most recently, was Journeys’ executive vice president of sales and retail operations.
“I would like to thank Mario for his remarkable 44-year career with Genesco. He has been part of the team since the beginning and has been instrumental in building Journeys into the leading teen fashion footwear retailer. Mario’s merchant leadership and exceptional footwear expertise have been a significant part of Journeys’ long-term growth, record success and value creation,” said Genesco Board Chair, president and CEO Mimi E. Vaughn.
“Beyond Mario’s entrepreneurial strengths, his distinct desire to develop a world-class organization with a strong foundation of culture and talent will define his legacy. Mario’s servant heart and philanthropy are exemplified by the Journeys Attitude That Cares program, which has impacted thousands of employees and customers through scholarships, volunteer service and community collaboration. He has been a respected member of our leadership team, and we wish him the very best in a well-deserved retirement. I am confident that as a result of his work and the strong team in place, Journeys is well-positioned for tremendous success in the years ahead.”
“It has been an honor to work with the extraordinary team at Journeys and Genesco. As I look back, especially over the past six years as president, I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished, including successfully expanding our digital transformation, enabling us to serve our customers with the right products in the ways our teens want to shop, as well as successfully managing through an unprecedented pandemic,” said Gallione. “Our outstanding people have created the industry-leading teen footwear retail brand that is now serving its fourth generation. I am excited to help execute a seamless transition and see how this team takes Journeys to the next level.”
The company has initiated a search for Gallione’s successor with the assistance of Egon Zehnder, an executive leadership firm, and will consider internal and external candidates.
During the transition, Gallione will become Journeys’ president emeritus.
Vaughn added, “Mike has been a driving force in Journeys’ growth, and his track record for success and ability to develop and lead teams are exceptional. I look forward to working with Mike during this transition period.”
Sypert is a 34-year company veteran who, most recently, was Journeys executive vice president of sales and retail operations.
