City Sports names retail veteran as CEO

Boston -- A veteran retailer with experience in running big national chains has joined City Sports as its new chief executive.



The Boston-based company tapped Marty Hanaka, who has served on the board of directors of City Sports since 2008, as its new chief executive. Hanaka was the interim CEO of Guitar Center from January 2013 to April 2013. Previously, he served as CEO of Golfsmith Holdings (from June 2008 to November 2012) and of The Sports Authority (from September 1998 to August 2003.) Prior to that, he was the president and COO of Staples.



In August 2014, Hanaka joined Highland Consumer Partners, a growth-stage venture capital firm focused on the consumer sector, as operating partner. Highland acquired City Sports in 2008.



“Marty is an extremely accomplished CEO with unparalleled experience in creating industry-leading operations,” said Tom Stemberg, managing general partner of Highland Consumer Fund. “His knowledge in retail, specifically in the sports lifestyle industry, is as impressive as his vision for present day consumers and the ever-evolving retail landscape.”



Founded in 1983, City Sports operates 26 retail stores in metropolitan locations in Massachusetts; Rhode Island; New York; Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; Maryland; New Jersey; and Vermont.



Hanaka replaces Eddie Albertian, who left the company in June.



“Sports and the retail industry have been part of my DNA ever since I can remember,” said Hanaka. “I am excited to lead City Sports and refocus our efforts on investing in our core business, our people and our operations. We have a strong team in place and will continue to differentiate ourselves as athletes who serve athletes.”