Academy Sports + Outdoors President leaves after six months in role

The President of Academy Sports + Outdoors, Michael Mullican, has left the company after six months in the role. He has been replaced by Sam Johnson, previously head of retail operations.

Johnson (above left) has in turn been succeeded by Eric Friederich as Senior VP of retail operations. The moves follow a number of leadership changes earlier this year.

The company is currently expanding its brick and mortar footprint as it aims to increase its product assortment. Earlier this year it announced an agreement to stock L.L. Bean’s fishing and outdoor products.

Mullican (above right), who says he is stepping down to pursue ‘personal and professional opportunities’, was appointed President in April this year, in additional to retaining his position as CFO.

Also in April, Ken Hicks became Executive Chairman of the Board, while Steven Lawrence became CEO. In July, Carl Ford was promoted to CFO and more recently Matt McCabe was promoted to Chief Merchandising Officer.

Johnson joined Academy in 2017 after holding senior positions at HH Gregg and Sears Holdings. Friederich had worked at J. C. Penney and Target before joining the company in 2016.

Academy has opened four new stores in the last three months.