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KATY, Texas — Meijer Inc. president J.K. Symancyk is leaving the company to join Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer, as president and chief executive officer.
J.K. Symancyk
Academy Ltd. said Symancyk is slated to join the company on Nov. 2. He succeeds Rodney Faldyn, as president and CEO of the chain, which has more than 200 stores in 15 states.
“I’m humbled and thrilled by the opportunity to become a part of the Academy Sports + Outdoors family, and I feel fortunate to be succeeding such a charismatic and accomplished leader as Rodney,” Symancyk, 43, said in a statement. “The future for Academy Sports + Outdoors is truly limitless, and I’m eager to ensure we continue offering customers convenience, a broad selection of quality products and exceptional customer service as we strive to remain the low price leader in our category. “
Symancyk served as president of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer since February 2013. Since joining the supercenter retailer in September 2006, he also has served as chief operating officer, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, and group vice president of fresh foods.
Meijer currently operates 222 supercenters and grocery stores, with pharmacies, in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Before joining Meijer, Symancyk spent 12 years at Sam’s Club, most recently as divisional merchandise manager of fresh foods.
Symancyk currently serves as treasurer of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
Academy announced in June that it was beginning a search for a successor to Faldyn. He joined the company as chief financial officer in 2006, was promoted to president in 2007 and became CEO when an investment entity controlled by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR) acquired a majority interest in the retailer in August 2011.
“I’m confident that J.K. will fully embrace the Academy culture, drive future growth and continue to provide amazing customer service through our 200-plus stores and online,” Faldyn stated
Nate Taylor, Academy Sports + Outdoors chairman and head of KKR Retail Americas, added, “J.K. is an exceptional retail strategist with a strong business and financial acumen and proven track record of success. We believe that he will strengthen an already talented management team and enhance a corporate infrastructure that is well-positioned for the future.”
