Academy Sports + Outdoors announced it has promoted Sam J. Johnson to president as Michael P. Mullican has stepped down as president to pursue other personal and professional opportunities.

In his new role, Johnson will continue to report to CEO Steve Lawrence. Johnson’s responsibilities will include continued oversight of retail operations and real estate & construction for  the 275-store sporting goods chain with locations in 18 states, as well as new responsibility for logistics & supply chain. Johnson previously served as EVP of retail operations and as a key member of the executive leadership team since joining Academy in April 2017. Eric Friederich has been promoted to senior vice president of retail operations.

In a press release Academy noted that Johnson has been instrumental in “helping create a more exciting shopping experience by hiring ‘enthusiasts’ to help customers make more informed purchasing decisions, while also investing in technology and processes that helped improve operations and drive greater productivity.” Prior to joining Academy, Johnson spent seven years with hhgregg, Inc., and he spent more than 20 years in various leadership roles with Sears Holdings Corporation.