Academy Sports and Outdoors promoted EVP of operations Sam J Johnson to president this week.

Johnson succeeds Michael P Mullican, who stepped down from the position. Mullican will serve in an advisory capacity through a brief transition period.

Prior to joining Academy Sports and Outdoors, Johnson held the position of chief retail officer at H H Gregg and VP of small stores at Sears Holdings Corporation.

Meanwhile, the sports and outdoor equipment retailer named Eric Friederich as EVP of operations, succeeding Johnson.

Friederich previously served as regional VP of East region stores, senior director of communication and merchandise execution, and district manager at Academy Sports and Outdoors.