Academy Academy Sports + Outdoors named James Kevin “J.K.” Symancyk as President and CEO, effective November 2, 2015. J.K., 43, joins Academy after several years serving as President at Meijer Inc. where he led the multi-billion Midwestern superstore’s daily operations.
Symancyk reportedly led Meijer through a tremendous positive growth phase that resulted in nearly three years of positive comp growth, new market expansion, and the development of a long-term diversification strategy.
Symancyk succeeds Rodney Faldyn, who joined Academy in 2006 as CFO, was promoted to President in 2007 and became CEO when an investment entity controlled by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. acquired a majority interest in Academy in August 2011. Faldyn led Academy’s growth during KKR’s ownership, including growing store count by 50%, launching a new e-commerce platform, implementing a new Oracle retail management system, and doubling cash flow from earnings during his time as CEO.
