Genesco in reorg to drive growth, names CEO of new Journeys Global Retail Group
Genesco Inc. is uniting three of its retail brands in a move designed to position the business as the world’s leading style-led, youth footwear retail group, with a sharp focus on the female consumer.
The footwear company, which has over 1,250 stores in North America, the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland and a portfolio of owned and licensed lifestyle brands, announced the formation of the Journeys Global Retail Group. The new group unites Genesco’s Journeys, Schuh and Little Burgundy brands, which target teens, kids and young adults with on-trend fashion footwear.
Genesco has tapped Andy Gray to lead the new organization as CEO. He has served as president of Journeys since January 2024. Previously, Grey spent over 20 years at Foot Locker in senior roles.
In addition, Chris Santaella has been named chief merchandising officer, Journeys Global Retail Group, leading the product strategies and merchant teams. Santaella joined Journeys in February 2024 from Foot Locker, where he served more than three decades leading global product strategies.
Schuh and Little Burgundy leadership will remain in role and report up through the new organization.
“Journeys, Schuh and Little Burgundy are the destination retailers for the young, style-led female across their respective markets,” said Mimi E. Vaughn, board chair, president and CEO. "We see clear opportunities in every market to grow share by reaching more consumers as we strengthen our brand awareness and elevate our experiences. With unified global leadership, we will maximize opportunities, strengthen market positioning with the consumer, and drive even greater growth with our brand partners.”
“Andy and Chris are the right leaders for this new organization, building on their tremendous success in repositioning Journeys, their extensive experience in athletic and fashion footwear, their expansive brand partner relationships, and strong connection to youth culture,” added Vaughn.
Genesco’s portfolio includes Journeys, Schuh, Little Burgundy and Johnston & Murphy. Genesco Brands Group sells branded lifestyle footwear to leading retailers under licensed brands including Wrangler, Dockers, Starter and Pony.
