Genesco's chief strategy, digital officer to retire
A veteran member of Genesco Inc.’s C-suite is retiring.
Parag Desai, senior VP and chief strategy and digital officer, will retire from the parent company of Journeys, Johnston & Murphy, Schuh and more, effective Oct. 31. Desai's responsibilities will transition to other members of the company's senior leadership team.
Desai joined the footwear company in 2014 as senior VP of strategy and shared services, and was named senior VP, chief strategy and digital officer in April 2021. Previously, he spent more than 13 years at McKinsey & Company.
Genesco said that over the past decade, Desai made significant contributions in shaping the company’s strategic direction, including transforming its technology platforms and data insights capabilities.
“Parag has been an exceptional leader, trusted advisor and valued member of our executive team,” said Mimi E. Vaughn, Genesco’s board chair, president and CEO. “His remarkable ability to connect strategy with execution and people across functional areas has helped shape Genesco’s evolution over the past decade. From leading critical strategic initiatives to transforming our technology capabilities, Parag has contributed to the strengthening of our business and successful execution of our Footwear First strategy. We are grateful for his outstanding leadership and commitment to ensuring a thoughtful transition.”
[READ MORE: Foot Locker veteran named president of Genesco's U.K. business]
Desai’s upcoming retirement is the latest C-suite change for Genesco. In late June, Jonathan Collins was named as senior VP, finance and chief financial officer, joining the company from America’s Car-Mart Inc.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the talented people of Genesco during a period of tremendous transformation,” said Desai. “Together, we strengthened the company's strategic foundation and built capabilities that position Genesco well for the future. The progress we have made has been the result of our people working together with a shared commitment to serving our customers and creating value for our shareholders.”
Founded in 1924, Genesco operates more than 1,200 retail stores, along with its branded e-commerce websites.
