Academy Executive and Leadership Team

Steven Lawrence, the Chief Executive Officer & Board Member at Academy, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the sporting goods retailer. Overseeing the expansion of the nationwide store footprint, the Chief Executive Officer & Board Member ensures alignment between consumer demand for outdoor recreation products and the company's inventory procurement. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to optimize market positioning against competitors. By driving operational excellence across all retail channels, Steven Lawrence directly impacts the company's ability to serve athletes and families. Lawrence maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the organization remains a premier destination for fitness and lifestyle activities while navigating the complexities of the American retail landscape to secure consistent financial performance and brand loyalty.

Carl Ford, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Academy, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the sporting goods retailer. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing expansion. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to guide investment decisions in new store locations and product categories. By optimizing cost structures and revenue streams, Carl Ford directly impacts the profitability of the organization. Ford works closely with the Board to communicate financial performance and long-term value creation, ensuring that the company remains well-positioned to meet the needs of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts while delivering consistent returns to stakeholders.

Matt Pasch, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Academy, manages the organizational culture and talent acquisition strategies necessary to support a large-scale retail workforce. Overseeing the development of training programs for store associates, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company maintains high standards of customer service across all locations. This leadership role involves designing compensation structures that attract top talent in the competitive sporting goods sector. By fostering an inclusive environment, Matt Pasch directly impacts employee retention and operational efficiency. Pasch coordinates with other executives to align human capital initiatives with the broader business goals of the organization, ensuring that the workforce remains equipped to handle the demands of a nationwide network of stores and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sumit Anand, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Academy, architects the digital infrastructure and technological systems that power the company's retail operations. Overseeing the integration of e-commerce platforms with physical store inventory management, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer ensures seamless omnichannel experiences for customers seeking fitness and outdoor gear. This leadership role involves securing data assets and implementing advanced analytics to predict consumer trends. By modernizing the technological backbone, Sumit Anand directly impacts the efficiency of the supply chain and the accuracy of inventory tracking. Anand collaborates with the executive team to deploy innovative solutions that enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of digital transformation within the American sporting goods industry.