Academy Sports + Outdoors Names New EVP Retail Operations

Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, has appointed Sam Johnson as its EVP of Retail Operations, effective April 24, 2017. In his new role, Sam will oversee the day-to-day operations of Academy's more than 225 stores as well as lead the store support team.

Sam joins Academy after seven years with hhgregg, Inc., which is closing all of its doors and has already begun its going out of business sale. 

At hhgregg, he most recently served as Chief Retail Officer. Johnson led store operations, customer relations, commercial sales, real estate and visual merchandising. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years in various leadership roles with Sears Holding Corporation. He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Health from East Tennessee State University.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Sam to the team," says J.K. Symancyk, Academy Sports + Outdoors President and CEO. "Sam's vast leadership experience and deep roots in retail store operations only adds to an incredible roster of a talented senior leadership team that is focused on making it easier for everyone to enjoy more sports and outdoors."

"I'm thrilled to join the Academy Sports + Outdoors team," says Johnson. "I believe in Academy's everyday low price approach, community and customer focus. On behalf of the more than 20,000 store team members, we look forward to continuing to elevate our game on behalf of customers and local communities for years to come."