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PetSmart Names Retail Veteran as New CEO

JHVE Photo-stock.Adobe.com

PetSmart has tapped Ken Hicks as its new President and CEO, effective Oct. 31, 2024. Hicks will take over from interim CEO Alan Schnaid, who will continue as EVP and CFO. The top job at the pet retailer opened up following the departure earlier this month of J.K. Symancyk, who left PetSmart to lead Signet Jewelers.

Most recently, Hicks served as CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors as well as CEO of Foot Locker. His previous retail experience includes leadership positions at JCPenney, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores and McKinsey & Co. He is a U.S. Military Academy graduate who served in the U.S. Army and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“I am honored to be joining PetSmart and its talented team of pet-passionate associates,” said Hicks in a statement. “PetSmart has a strong position with its broad assortment of pet products and service offerings, the Treats Rewards program that offers exceptional value for pet parents, and an omnichannel customer experience that allows pet parents to engage with the brand in the manner most convenient to them.”

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