CARRBORO, N.C. (August 21, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced three new executive hires as the company enters a period of growth.
Amy Diebler joins Fleet Feet’s Store Support Team as chief financial officer. In her role, Diebler will oversee all finance functions and strategic planning across Fleet Feet’s franchise, corporate and ecommerce businesses. Prior to joining Fleet Feet, Diebler was the CFO of Verdesian Life Sciences where she played a key role in business optimization and implementation of new business processes. Prior to Verdesian, Diebler served in various senior finance leadership roles at Chiesi USA, Inc. with oversight over functions including supply chain, procurement, IT, investor relations and contracting. She also spent 10 years as an advisor with Ernst & Young. Diebler will report to Fleet Feet President and CEO Joey Pointer.
“Amy has extensive financial and operational expertise leading large teams in high-growth businesses and understands how to operate efficiently at scale,” said Pointer. “Her passion for people development and process improvement will be invaluable as we continue to invest in enhancing our infrastructure, ultimately allowing us to support our franchisees as we expand into new markets.”
Mary-Chelsea Banister joins as vice president of supply chain transformation. In this newly created role, Banister will oversee Fleet Feet’s corporate purchasing and merchandising team led by Catherine Moloznik, as well as the business operations team. Her primary focus will be optimizing Fleet Feet’s operations while ensuring seamless cross-departmental collaboration. Banister previously held omnichannel operations roles at Free Fly Apparel and Carter’s. She will also report to Pointer.
“With a deep background in supply chain management and a proven ability to drive transformative change, Mary-Chelsea brings invaluable expertise to Fleet Feet,” said Pointer. “I’m confident her innovative perspective will enhance our strategic direction moving forward.”
Additionally, Kevin Staudt joins as vice president of business operations. In this newly created role, Staudt will lead Fleet Feet’s distribution center and transportation management operations, including system and process improvement. Prior to this role, Staudt was the vice president of finance at Quality Restaurant Group. He also spent 14 years at Fleet Feet Chicago – one of the brand’s largest franchise businesses – in various capacities culminating in leading their finance functions and both their brick-and-mortar and ecommerce fulfillment center operations. Staudt will report to Banister.
“It’s been a strong first half of the year for the company, with notable sales achievements in both our brick-and-mortar and online stores,” Pointer added. “During this period, we’ve managed to navigate through obstacles and still see record sales days and months. While we still have challenges ahead, we’re on pace for a successful year. Amy, Mary-Chelsea and Kevin are welcome additions to our leadership team as we work to maintain and build on our momentum.”
Diebler, Banister and Staudt’s appointments follow Fleet Feet’s announcement earlier this year of executive hires in IT and purchasing, and leadership expansions and promotions across business development, human resources and marketing.
Fleet Feet’s growth rapidly accelerated with the acquisitions of JackRabbit in December 2021 and Marathon Sports in July 2022. JackRabbit stores have folded into the Fleet Feet brand while Marathon Sports remains an independently operated subsidiary. Since 2023, Fleet Feet has opened 24 new stores, including 20 franchise locations. Together, Fleet Feet and Marathon Sports support more than five million customers across 300 locally owned and operated stores.
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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Inc.’s Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
Fleet Feet Appoints Three New Executives to Store Support Team
