Genesco-owned retailer Journeys has hired Andy Gray, who spent more than two decades with Foot Locker that included his last role as global president until Jan. 2023, as its new president. He is slated to join the Nashville company on Jan. 3, succeeding Mario Gallione whose planned retirement was announced in August.

Mimi E. Vaughn, Genesco board chair, president and CEO describes Gray as “a visionary leader with extensive experience in athletic and fashion footwear,” adding, “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 says he sees “significant runway to capitalize on [Journeys’] unique positioning in the market, while further leveraging the unparalleled strength of its vendor partnerships.” At Journeys, he will join Mike Sypert, a 34-year company veteran who was promoted to COO for Journeys, Journeys Kidz and Little Burgundy’s in August for the U.S. and Canada after a stint as EVP of sales and retail operations for the teen fashion retailer.