Sportsman’s Warehouse starts search for new CEO; to open 15 stores

4/12/2023

Jon Barker was named CEO of Sportsman’s Warehouse in 2018.

The chief executive of Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings Inc. is stepping down.

The West Jordan, Utah-based sporting goods retailer said that Jon Barker, a former Walmart executive, has decided to retire as CEO and board member, effective Friday, April 14, in order “to spend time on personal interests.” The company named chairman Joseph P. Schneider as interim CEO and said it has hired national executive search firm Egon Zehnder to conduct a global search for a permanent chief excecutive.

“Jon played an integral role in implementing the company’s strategic vision including navigating the company through the pandemic and the unparalleled operational, financial and administrative hurdles that were caused by such unprecedented times,” said Schneider.

Barker joined Sportsman’s Warehouse as president and COO in 2017, and was named CEO in 2018. Prior to joining the company, he served as VP global officer for Walmart and held dual roles at the company as president and CEO of Hayneedle.com, an online home furnishings retailer, and as group leader for the home and outdoor furnishings categories for U.S. e-commerce.

“The last six years have been an honor for me to work with such a talented team and be part of the incredible transformation and growth of our business,” said Barker. “Now is the right time for me to turn the page and focus my next chapter on personal interests.”

In other news, Sportsman’s Warehouse said it remains on track to open 15 new locations in 2023, the highest number of stores it has ever opened in a single year, with a focus on smaller, underserved markets. The stores will range in size from 20,00 sq.ft. to 70,000 sq.ft. The retailer ended fiscal 2022 with 131 stores.

“We remain committed to further expanding our merchandising and omni-channel strategies and capabilities, while maintaining financial discipline and rigor throughout the organization,” said CFO Jeff White.

Sportsman’s Warehouse 2023 store openings are listed below.

•Lynchburg, Va. (opened)

•Naples, Fla. (opened)

•Parkersburg, W.V. (opened)

•Racine, Wis.

•Brownsburg, Ind.

•Moreno, Calif.

•Wausau, Wis.

•Winchester, Va.

•Cape Coral, Fla.

•N. Colorado Springs, Col.

•Sequim, Wash.

•Tampa Highwoods, Fla.

•Fredericksburg, Va.

•Hot Springs, Ark.

•South Tucson, Ariz.