Leading Executives in Sporting Goods Stores
Lauren R. Hobart
President & CEO, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Retail veteran who scaled House of Sport and omnichannel growth; in 2025 led DICK’S completion of the Foot Locker acquisition to create a global sports retail platform.
press | X | LinkedIn (company)
Edward W. (Ed) Stack
Executive Chairman, DICK’S Sporting Goods
Company builder who took DICK’S from 2 stores to a Fortune 500 leader; industry “Visionary” award recipient recognized for decades-long impact on sporting goods retail.
press | LinkedIn (company) | X
Steve P. Lawrence
Chief Executive Officer, Academy Sports + Outdoors
Merchant-turned-CEO credited with accelerating Academy’s store expansion and merchandising margins; became CEO in June 2023.
press | IR | LinkedIn (company)
Sam J. Johnson
President, Academy Sports + Outdoors
Long-time retail operator elevated to President on October 23, 2023; oversees stores, real estate, construction and supply chain to drive productivity and growth.
Mary Beth Laughton
President & CEO, REI Co‑op
Appointed CEO on March 31, 2025 after a planned succession; former Nike/Athleta/Sephora leader tasked with steering REI’s member‑led omnichannel future.
press | LinkedIn (company) | X
Javier López
Chief Executive Officer, Decathlon (global)
26‑year Decathlon veteran named CEO in March 2025 to lead the world’s largest sporting goods retailer through its next phase of brand and global growth.
Johnny Morris
Founder & CEO, Bass Pro Shops (incl. Cabela’s)
Founder who built a conservation‑driven outdoor retail empire spanning Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and White River Marine Group.
press | X | LinkedIn (company)
Paul Stone
President & CEO, Sportsman’s Warehouse
Former Cabela’s retail chief and Hertz CEO brought in (effective Nov 1, 2023) to sharpen operations and reignite growth at the outdoor specialty chain.
Steven G. Miller
Chairman, President & CEO, Big 5 Sporting Goods
Long‑time leader at the West‑coast chain known for value‑priced assortments across team sports, outdoor and footwear.
IR (Big 5) | Corporate | LinkedIn (company)
Matt Hanson
Chief Executive Officer, SCHEELS
Heads the employee‑owned destination retailer famous for experiential flagships (ferris wheels, aquariums) and community engagement.
Media (Scheels Corporate Marketing) | Customer/Privacy | X
Jeffrey G. Lynn
Chief Executive Officer, Dunham’s Sports
Leads one of the largest Midwest sporting goods chains with a focus on value and hardgoods assortment.
Customer Service | LinkedIn (company)
Ann Freeman
President, Foot Locker North America, Foot Locker (a DICK’S company)
Former Nike exec tapped in September 2025 as President, Foot Locker North America to accelerate turnaround and integration post‑acquisition.
Parent (DICK’S) Press | Brand X | LinkedIn (company)
Régis Schultz
Chief Executive Officer, JD Sports Fashion (incl. JD Finish Line, Hibbett, Shoe Palace, DTLR)
Global CEO driving a multi‑brand, North America‑focused expansion strategy with acquisitions including Hibbett (completed July 25, 2024).
Media/IR (JD Sports PLC) | LinkedIn (company) | X
Michael Murray
Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Group (Sports Direct)
CEO modernizing Sports Direct’s estate and deepening brand partnerships while steering international expansion across Europe, MEA and APAC.
Michael Rubin
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Fanatics
Founder‑CEO building a sports retail and collectibles powerhouse (commerce, Topps trading cards, events) with deep league partnerships.
Media | LinkedIn (company) | X
Troy Rice
Chief Executive Officer, PGA TOUR Superstore
Veteran big‑box operator appointed CEO on September 2, 2025 to scale the world’s largest specialty golf retailer beyond 75+ stores.
Stephen Smith
President & CEO, L.L.Bean
First‑ever external CEO at the 113‑year‑old brand; continuing to lead until a planned 2026 transition after modernizing omni and wholesale.
Media | X | LinkedIn (company)
Ryan Gellert
Chief Executive Officer, Patagonia
CEO since 2020 overseeing Patagonia’s purpose‑trust ownership and outspoken environmental stance while expanding DTC retail globally.
Media | X | LinkedIn (company)
Joey Pointer
Chief Executive Officer, Fleet Feet
CEO scaling the largest U.S. run‑specialty franchisor to ~300 locations, emphasizing fit tech, community and training programs.
Media | LinkedIn (company) | X
Bob Durda
President, Lids
Long‑time merchant now leading the globe’s largest licensed sports headwear/apparel retailer as President, pushing collaborations and global growth.
Media | LinkedIn (company) | X
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