Retail industry veteran leads the next phase of growth and continued development of North America's leading omni-channel pet retailer

PHOENIX, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PetSmart LLC (the “Company” or “PetSmart”), the leading omni-channel pet retailer, today announced the appointment of Ken Hicks as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 23. known in October. February 31, 2024. Mr. Hicks will also serve on the Company's Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am very pleased to welcome Ken Hicks to PetSmart,” said Raymond Svider, Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Ken Hicks was previously CEO and Executive Chairman of Academy Sports + Outdoors, where under his leadership the company achieved significant revenue and margin growth, built a strong e-commerce business and completed an initial public offering. He was previously CEO of Foot Locker. In both roles, he delivered significant customer experience improvements that resulted in increased revenue and profitability, resulting in significant increases in market value. Prior to Foot Locker, Mr. Hicks held senior positions at JC Penney Company, Inc., Payless ShoeSource, Home Shopping Network, May Department Stores Company and McKinsey & Company. Mr. Hicks graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the United States Army. He also earned an MBA with highest honors from Harvard Business School. Mr. Hicks continues to serve on the Academy Sports + Outdoor Board of Directors.

“It is an honor to join PetSmart and its talented team of pet-loving employees,” said Ken Hicks, PetSmart’s new president and CEO. “PetSmart has a strong position with its broad range of pet products and service offerings, the Treats Rewards program that delivers exceptional value to pet parents, and an omnichannel customer experience that allows pet parents to engage with the brand in the most convenient way possible “I’m excited about the opportunities we have to continue to better serve pet parents and grow the company.”

Alan Schnaid, who previously served as interim CEO, will continue in his important leadership role as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Alan for his service as interim CEO,” said Mr. Svider. “Alan is an exemplary leader and we are grateful for his continued commitment to PetSmart.”

About PetSmart
PetSmart is the leading pet retailer offering products, services and solutions to meet the lifelong needs of pets. At PetSmart we love pets and believe pets make us better people. Every day, with every connection, PetSmart's passionate employees help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilling lives together. This vision influences everything we do for our customers, the way we support our employees and the way we give back to our communities.

PetSmart operates nearly 1,700 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and more than 200 PetSmart PetsHotel in-store® Dog and cat boarding. We offer a wide range of pet food and products at competitive prices, as well as services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp™ and pet adoption.

PetSmart, PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada works with nearly 4,000 animal rescue organizations to bring adoptable pets to stores so they have the best possible chance of finding forever homes. Through this in-store adoption program and other unique events, PetSmart has facilitated over 11 million adoptions, more than any other brick-and-mortar organization.

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SOURCE PetSmart