The Finish Line, Inc. will appoint Robert J. Dennis, currently Genesco's president and COO, as president of the combined company, once the acquisition is finalized. The transaction is expected to close in Fall 2007.


In this newly created position, Mr. Dennis will report directly to Alan H. Cohen, The Finish Line's CEO, and will have oversight responsibility for all of the combined company's operating divisions including Finish Line, Man Alive, Paiva, Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Underground Station, Hat World, Lids Kids, Johnston & Murphy and Licensed Brands. Mr. Dennis will also have oversight responsibility of the combined company's operational support functions, including corporate administration, human resources, real estate and information systems.

Mr. Cohen said, “Bob has been an important member of the Genesco senior team and contributed significantly to the company's recent success. We are delighted we will have him as part of The Finish Line team upon consummation of the Genesco transaction and know that his leadership will help ensure that we realize the opportunity created by the combination of our two companies.”


“My career at Genesco has been tremendously satisfying, and I am confident that helping to lead The Finish Line will be as exciting,” said Mr. Dennis. “Our two companies share a legacy of creativity and a keen focus on meeting our customers' needs, while also shaping new trends. I look forward to working with Alan and the combined management team as we lead The Finish Line into its next chapter of growth.”


Mr. Dennis was named president of Genesco in October 2006, adding to his existing responsibilities as COO. In addition, he was elected a director of Genesco in October 2006. In October 2005, Mr. Dennis was named EVP and COO of the company. Mr. Dennis, who became CEO of Hat World in 2001, was named a SVP of Genesco in June 2004 following Genesco's acquisition of Hat World in April 2004.


Glenn Lyon, current president of The Finish Line, is expected to stay with the company and oversee the Finish Line, Man Alive, and Paiva nameplates.

 

A 22-year retail veteran, Mr. Dennis's experience includes a senior position with Asbury Automotive from 1997 to 1999. From 1984 to 1997 he was with McKinsey & Company, an international consulting firm, where he was a partner and a leader of the North American Retail Practice.

Mr. Dennis holds a Master of Business Administration degree, with distinction, from the Harvard Business School, with a focus on consumer marketing, and Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biochemical engineering and organic chemistry, with honors, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.