Genesco Inc. has tapped Andy Gray as the new president of the Journeys business, effective Jan. 3, 2024.
The Nashville-based company, which also owns Johnston & Murphy, Schuh and other labels, said that the hire came a result of a “broad search process.” Gray succeeds former Journeys president Mario Gallione who announced a planned retirement in August. At the time, Genesco named company veteran Mike Sypert as its chief operating officer.
“Andy brings invaluable expertise in the areas essential to building the Journeys business for the future, along with a passion for leading youth-focused consumer businesses,” said Genesco board chair, president and CEO Mimi Vaughn in a statement. “He is a visionary leader with extensive experience in athletic and fashion footwear. Andy’s connection to youth culture and the strong brand relationships he’s forged over his accomplished career make him the ideal person to lead the talented team we have in place at Journeys, as we work to elevate the business and unlock the tremendous potential we see ahead.”
Gray joins Genesco after a more than two-decade tenure at Foot Locker, culminating in his role as EVP, global president of Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs and Sidestep. He also held roles such as EVP, global chief commercial officer and VP/GMM of Foot Locker Europe, according to his LinkedIn. While at Foot Locker, Gray helped the company reach more shoppers across core categories and zeroed in on top brands in the portfolio. (The executive left the retailer in January.)
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In a statement, Gray said he sees potential to utilize Journeys’ “unique positioning in the market, while further leveraging the unparalleled strength of its vendor partnerships.”
“There is something really captivating about the power of Journeys’ connection with its teen consumer, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running with the team to evolve the business for a new era,” he said.
After reporting challenging first quarter results in May, Genesco announced it would close more than 100 underperforming Journeys stores in fiscal 2024, versus prior expectations to close 60 stores, to help cut costs at the retailer. The Journeys business saw some improvement in the second quarter and Vaughn outlined a plan to elevate the banner’s performance by increasing product newness, strengthening customer engagement and expanding relationships with Journeys’ target teen customer. Genesco reports earnings for the third quarter on Friday.
