Academy Names Ford EVP and CFO

KATY, TEXAS (July 11, 2023) – Academy Sports + Outdoors, Inc. announced that Carl Ford has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective July 12, 2023, succeeding Michael Mullican, who recently transitioned to President. In his new role, Ford will oversee Finance, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Loss Prevention, Internal Audit, and Investor Relations. 

Ford has served as Academy’s Senior Vice President, Finance since January 2019. Prior to joining Academy, he served as Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis at Belk, Inc. where he spent 15 years. During his time at Belk, he also served as the Vice President of Internal Audit and held leadership roles in Accounting and Treasury. Ford also worked for Deloitte & Touche in their audit practice. He holds a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi and he is an active Certified Public Accountant. 

“I am thrilled to announce the promotion of Carl Ford to Chief Financial Officer,” said Michael Mullican Academy Sports + Outdoors President. “He has an incredible financial acumen and track record of driving positive results at Academy. He played an integral role in helping us navigate the pandemic, achieve our previous long-range plan, as well as supporting our IPO and the development of our new long-range plan. I’m confident Carl and his team will continue to be excellent stewards of our capital as they drive value for our shareholders.”

“I’m humbled and excited for the opportunity to lead our finance organization into the future,” said Ford.  “Under Michael’s leadership, we developed a strong financial team, redefined business processes, and established Academy within the financial community. The Company has a strong balance sheet and solid cash flow to support our growth and create value for our shareholders. I look forward to partnering with Steve (Lawrence, new CEO) and Michael as we focus on long-term growth and profitability as we pursue our vision of becoming the best sports and outdoors retailer in the country.”