PetSmart Names Ken Hicks as Chief Executive Officer
PetSmart has appointed Ken Hicks as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct. 31, 2024. Hicks will also serve on the company’s Board of Directors.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart,” said Raymond Svider, chairman of the Board of Directors of PetSmart and Chairman of BC Partners. “His depth and breadth of retail experience, visionary leadership and proven track record of creating shareholder value, will be invaluable as PetSmart continues to execute on its strategic growth plan.”
Ken Hicks previously served as CEO and Executive Chairman at Academy Sports + Outdoors where under his leadership the business achieved significant sales and profit margin growth, built a strong e-commerce business and completed an initial public offering. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Foot Locker. In both roles, he drove meaningful improvements in customer experience which led to increased sales and profitability and resulted in substantial growth in market value. Before his time at Foot Locker, Hicks held senior positions at J.C. Penney Company, Inc., Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores Company and McKinsey & Company. Hicks graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the US Army. He also earned an MBA with highest distinction from Harvard Business School. Hicks continues to serve on the Board of Directors of Academy Sports + Outdoor.
“I am honored to be joining PetSmart and its talented team of pet-passionate associates,” said Ken Hicks, incoming President and CEO of PetSmart. “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 omni-channel customer experience that allows pet parents to engage with the brand in the manner most convenient to them, including in-store, through the PetSmart mobile app and same-day home delivery options. I am excited about the opportunities in front of us to continue to better serve pet parents and grow the company.”
Alan Schnaid who has been serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer will continue in his key leadership role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Alan for his service as Interim Chief Executive Officer,” said Svider. “Alan is an exemplary leader, and we are grateful for his continued dedication to PetSmart.”