DICK'S Sporting Goods Appoints Matthew Barnes as President of Foot Locker International

DICK'S Sporting Goods has recently announced the appointment of Matthew Barnes to the role of President of Foot Locker International, effective December 3, 2025. This strategic decision comes at a crucial time for Foot Locker, as the company, which became a part of DICK'S Sporting Goods following its acquisition in September 2025, aims to reposition itself at the forefront of the retail industry.

Barnes will be responsible for overseeing the international operations of Foot Locker, which includes retail stores, eCommerce, and digital strategies across Europe, Asia, and Australia. Furthermore, he will manage the brand's licensed outlets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Reporting to Ed Stack, Executive Chairman of DICK'S, Barnes joins an already impressive leadership team, which includes figures like Ann Freeman, a former executive at Nike where she led the North American operations.

Expressing his enthusiasm over the appointment, Stack stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Barnes to our top-notch leadership team at Foot Locker as we strive to reestablish the brand's prominence in the industry during this pivotal phase for global expansion." He further commented on Barnes’ extensive experience in transforming global brands, making him ideally suited for this new endeavor.

With nearly 30 years of experience in retail leadership across various international markets—including assignments in the UK, Europe, the US, China, and Australia—Barnes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Foot Locker. His past roles include Group CEO and member of the International Board of Aldi Süd, where he delivered substantial growth during his tenure, and CEO of Tesco in the UK.

Lauren Hobart, President and CEO of DICK'S, added, "Matthew has deep familiarity with the international markets in which Foot Locker operates, and his skills will be invaluable in fortifying our capacity for growth and generating value for our customers and stakeholders." She expressed her excitement about his joining the team.

Barnes, reflecting on his new role, stated, "I am honored to join Foot Locker, a globally recognized brand, at such a crucial and exciting time for the sports retail sector. I have a personal passion for sports and look forward to collaborating with the exceptional leadership team and the talented Foot Locker team members to provide innovative experiences and compelling new products to consumers worldwide."

Barnes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Politics from the University of Liverpool, which adds to his diverse skill set, aligning with DICK'S vision of empowering athletes across the globe.

DICK'S Sporting Goods, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has evolved into a leading omnichannel retailer and a well-known name in the sports culture sector. Their reach extends through various brands, including Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, and Going Going Gone!, alongside experiential retail concepts like DICK'S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center.

As part of Foot Locker's expansion, DICK'S will also manage several banners such as Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos, serving the sneaker market not just in North America but also in Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company remains committed to supporting youth sports through its initiatives, having donated millions of dollars to assist underprivileged teams and athletes as part of the Sports Matter program.

In conclusion, Barnes’ appointment signifies an important step for DICK'S and Foot Locker, reflecting their ambition to foster growth and innovation within the competitive landscape of sports retail. The future looks promising as Foot Locker gears up to leverage its global presence under Barnes’ substantial leadership.

For additional details about DICK'S Sporting Goods and its initiatives, please visit their official sites or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.