US' Genesco announces retirement of Journeys Group president

The company has initiated a broad search process to identify Gallione’s successor with the assistance of Egon Zehnder, a leading executive leadership firm, and expects to consider both internal and external candidates, the company said in a press release.

“I would like to thank Gallione for his remarkable 44-year career with Genesco. He has been part of the team since the beginning and has been instrumental in building Journeys into the leading teen fashion footwear retailer. Mario’s merchant leadership and exceptional footwear expertise have been a significant part of Journeys’ long-term growth, record success and value creation,” said Genesco board chair, president and chief executive officer Mimi E Vaughn.

“Beyond Gallione’s entrepreneurial strengths, his distinct desire to develop a world class organisation with a strong foundation of culture and talent will define his legacy. Mario’s servant heart and philanthropy are exemplified by the Journeys Attitude That Cares programme, which has impacted thousands of employees and customers through scholarships, volunteer service and community collaboration. He has been a respected member of our leadership team, and we will wish him the very best in a well-deserved retirement. I am confident that as a result of his work and the strong team in place, Journeys is well positioned for tremendous success in the years ahead," Vaughn added.

“It has been an honour to work with the extraordinary team at Journeys and Genesco. As I look back, especially over the past six years as president, I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished including successfully expanding our digital transformation enabling us to serve our customers with the right products in the ways our teens want to shop, as well as successfully managing through an unprecedented pandemic,” said Gallione. “Our outstanding people have created the industry-leading teen footwear retail brand that is now serving its fourth generation. I am excited to help execute a seamless transition and see how this team takes Journeys to the next level.”

During the transition, Gallione will become Journeys’ president emeritus. In addition, Mike Sypert has been named Journeys’ chief operating officer responsible for aiding the transition of leadership as well as assuming day-to-day responsibilities for Journeys, Journeys Kidz and Little Burgundy’s business, including stores and websites in the US and Canada. “Mike has been a driving force in Journeys’ growth and his track record for success and ability to develop and lead teams are exceptional. I look forward to working with Mike during this transition period,” Vaughn added.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (RR)