Former Academy, Foot Locker CEO to take reins at PetSmart
One of the nation’s largest pet retailers has selected a veteran retailer as its new chief executive.
PetSmart has named Ken Hicks as president and CEO, effective Oct. 31. His hiring comes less than a month after former PetSmart CEO J.K. Symancyk stepped down as president, CEO and board member to take the reins of Signet Jewelers.
Hicks is well know throughout the retail industry. Most recently, from May 2018 to June 2023, he served as CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors. He stepped down as chief executive as part of a planned succession process and has served as chairman of the sporting goods chain’s board since June 1, 2024. (Interestingly, former PetSmart chief Symancyk served as CEO of Academy prior to Hicks.)
Before joining Academy, Hicks served two stints as CEO of Foot Locker from August 2009 to February 2010, and from February 2010 to November 2014. Before that, he held senior positions at J.C.Penney Company, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores Company and McKinsey & Company.
"On behalf of the entire board of directors, I am thrilled to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart," said Raymond Svider, chairman of PetSmart and chairman of BC Partners. "His depth and breadth of retail experience, visionary leadership, and proven track record of creating shareholder value, will be invaluable as PetSmart continues to execute on its strategic growth plan.”
With Hicks' appointment, Alan Schnaid, who has been serving as interim CEO, will continue as executive VP and CFO.
[READ MORE: PetSmart CEO exits; temporary replacement named]
"PetSmart has a strong position with its broad assortment of pet products and service offerings, the Treats Rewards program that offers exceptional value for pet parents, and an omni-channel customer experience that allows pet parents to engage with the brand in the manner most convenient to them, including in-store, through the PetSmart mobile app and same-day home delivery options," said Hicks. "I am excited about the opportunities in front of us to continue to better serve pet parents and grow the company."
PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart PetsHotel dog and cat boarding facilities.
