Former Famous Footwear exec takes helm of Rack Room Shoes
Rack Room Shoes, which has been in business for more than 100 years, has a new chief executive.
Mark Lardie has retired as president and CEO of the footwear retailer after serving in the role since 2012. He is succeeded by Mike Edwards, who most recently served as president of Famous Footwear, where he led enterprise strategy across merchandising, marketing, e-commerce and store operations.
Prior to being appointed Famous Footwear president, Edwards spent more than a decade serving in leadership roles within the company's parent organization, Caleres. The Calares portfolio also include Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, Vionic and other brands.
Rack Room Shoes said that Edwards’ appointment follows an “extensive search” led by executive talent placement company Stuart Spencer and Manfred Kroneder, vice chairman and CEO of the Deichmann Group, parent company of Rack Room Shoes, with guidance from Lardie.
"Mark Lardie's dedication and insight have been critical to Rack Room Shoes' success in the U.S. market," said Deichmann. "Mike Edwards is a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of today's retail landscape. We're excited to see him build on Mark's legacy and take Rack Room Shoes to new heights of innovation and excellence, including potential acquisitions, as we continue to grow our U.S. footprint."
The company said it will continue its forward momentum, concentrating on long-term growth and new opportunities for innovation to better serve its customers.
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"I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Rack Room Shoes team," said Edwards. "Mark Lardie and his leadership have built an incredibly impressive foundation, and I look forward to building on that success. My focus will be on accelerating our growth and ensuring Rack Room Shoes remains a leader in the footwear industry by continuing to innovate and exceed customer expectations."
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes operates more than 500 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse banners.
