Former CEO of Academy and Foot Locker to lead PetSmart

PetSmart’s former and new CEOs both held the chief executive position at Academy.

One of the country’s largest pet retailers has appointed an experienced retailer as its new chief executive.

PetSmart has named Ken Hicks president and CEO, effective October 31. His hiring comes less than a month after former PetSmart CEO JK Symancyk resigned as president, CEO and board member to take the reins Seal jewelers.

Hicks is well known throughout the retail industry. He most recently served as CEO of Academy Sports + Outdoors from May 2018 to June 2023. He resigned as CEO as part of a planned succession process and has served as CEO of the sporting goods chain since June 1, 2024. (Interestingly, former PetSmart CEO Symancyk was CEO of the Academy before Hicks.)

Prior to joining the Academy, Hicks served as CEO of Foot Locker twice, from August 2009 to February 2010 and from February 2010 to November 2014. Previously, he held senior positions at JCPenney Company, Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores Company and McKinsey & Company.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I am pleased to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart,” said Raymond Svider, chairman of PetSmart and chairman of BC Partners. “His deep and comprehensive retail experience, visionary leadership and proven track record of creating shareholder value will be invaluable to PetSmart as PetSmart continues to execute on its strategic growth plan.”