Sporting goods giant shakes up leadership team

Dick’s Sporting Goods has made several changes in its executive team, including naming a former Target executive as its chief merchant.



The company said that André Hawaux is retiring as executive VP, COO. He will remain with Dick’s through the second quarter of 2017. Dick’s did not name a replacement for Hawaux.



"André has been an instrumental member of our executive leadership team and has played a key role in executing our strategic plan," said Edward Stack, chairman and CEO, Dick’s Sporting Goods. "I am thankful to him for his dedicated service and for his continued partnership to facilitate a smooth transition."



Lauren Hobart has been appointed president of Dick’s Sporting Goods, effective immediately. Hobart, who joined Dick’s in 2011, most recently served as executive VP, chief customer & digital officer. She will continue to lead the company's customer and digital efforts, and will assume responsibility for the stores. Prior to Dick’s, Hobart spent 14 years at PepsiCo in various strategic planning and marketing roles.



"In her six years with the company, she has proven to be an invaluable and inspirational leader," Stack said. "Lauren is credited with elevating the Dick's brand, leading the development of Dick's Team Sports HQ and building the Calia by Carrie Underwood brand. She also was instrumental in the creation of The Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation. Lauren's extensive leadership experience will be essential to the continued growth and success of the company.”



In other appointments, Keri Jones will join the company on May 22, 2017 as executive VP, chief merchant. The 30-year retail veteran will be responsible for the strategy and execution of the company's merchandising, product development and merchandise planning, allocation and replenishment organizations. Prior to joining Dick’s, Jones held a variety of leadership positions at Target Corp., serving most recently as executive VP of global supply chain.



Don Germano, who led the company's stores organization from 2010 through 2013, will re-join Dick’s on May 30, 2017 as senior VP, operations. Most recently, he served as president of the Follett Higher Education Group. Prior to his time at Dick’s, he held a number of leadership positions at Sears Holdings, Kmart and Nabisco.