DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. (NYSE: DKS), the largest U.S.-based, omni-channel sporting goods retailer, today announced that Edward W. Stack, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of Executive Chairman and continue as Chief Merchant on February 1, 2021. He also will oversee key strategic growth initiatives for the company.
Mr. Stack has served as Chairman and CEO of DICK’S since he and his siblings bought his father’s two small sporting goods stores in upstate New York in 1984. Under Mr. Stack’s leadership and predominantly through organic growth, DICK’S has become the industry leader, with more than 850 stores and nearly $9 billion in annual revenue. Stack has driven DICK’S omni-channel strategy and investments in logistics and technology, which in 2020 have helped the company’s eCommerce business approach $2 billion in revenue.
The company also announced today that its board of directors unanimously elected Lauren R. Hobart, the current President of DICK’S, as President and CEO, also effective February 1, 2021. Ms. Hobart’s appointment is an important step in the company’s long-term succession plan undertaken by the board and Mr. Stack.
Mr. Stack said, “This is the perfect time for this transition. We have the best management team in the company’s history, and the investments we have made in our people, our stores, and our communities are paying off. I look forward to continuing to lead merchandising, product development and several strategic growth initiatives while supporting Lauren as a trusted advisor. She has proven herself to be a capable, innovative and respected leader who has helped drive our business and our culture.”
“Leading the company that Ed built is truly a privilege and an honor,” Ms. Hobart said. “For nearly 10 years, I have witnessed first-hand his commitment to DICK’S values, to our teammates, customers and the communities we serve. I am fortunate to have Ed as a mentor and look forward to leading the company into this next phase of growth with Ed and our senior management team.”
Ms. Hobart continued, “I also want to thank the board and our 45,000 passionate and dedicated teammates who are so pivotal to our success. I am excited to work closely with them and with other members of the DICK’S family to continue to advance the business and make a meaningful impact on our communities as we look to the future.”
Lawrence Schorr, Lead Independent Director of DICK’S, said, “Ed’s vision, values and leadership have built a company of which we are all proud, and DICK’S is well-positioned for growth. This transition process has been in the works for several years with two primary objectives: Ed’s continued involvement in key areas of the business; and a smooth transition of leadership to a capable and prepared new CEO. Lauren is a valued and forward-thinking leader who has played a vital role in DICK’S success. She embodies all that DICK’S stands for, and the board is confident that Ed and Lauren will continue on this successful journey and drive long-term shareholder value.”
Ms. Hobart brings more than 25 years of finance, consumer and retail experience and spent 14 years at PepsiCo in various leadership roles before she joined DICK’S as Chief Marketing Officer in 2011. She was appointed President in 2017 and joined the board of directors the following year. Since joining DICK’S, Ms. Hobart has revamped the company’s marketing efforts and helped drive its robust eCommerce strategy, among other substantive growth initiatives. She has enhanced the company’s exceptional customer service offering and improved the omni-channel customer experience.
In addition to leading the company through the health and economic crises this year, Mr. Stack and Ms. Hobart have together championed the company’s support of youth sports through its groundbreaking Sports Matter initiative. DICK’S and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation have provided more than $100 million in grants and sponsorships since 2014 to enable more than one million kids the opportunity to play and to raise awareness and address the issue of underfunded youth sports programs nationwide.
