Academy Sports + Outdoors Names Matthew M. Pasch as Executive Vice President

KATY, Texas, Sept. 3, 2026, Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer, has announced the appointment of Matthew M. Pasch as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. Pasch will lead the company’s talent strategy, human resources, and communications initiatives, supporting both corporate and retail operations.

Pasch joins Academy with extensive experience in human resources and strategic leadership. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer at Burlington. His tenure also included roles such as Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Merchandising, Marketing and Strategy, and Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Corporate Support, Distribution and Supply Chain.

Reporting directly to Steve Lawrence, Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Pasch will succeed William S. Ennis, who recently retired.

Matthew M. Pasch commented, "I am excited to join Academy at this pivotal moment. My goal is to enhance our culture, engage our employees, and support the continued growth and success of the organization."

Academy Sports + Outdoors, originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, now operates more than 300 stores across 21 states. The company’s mission is to provide "Fun for All," with a localized merchandising strategy and a strong connection to a diverse consumer base. Academy’s product assortment includes outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation, and footwear categories, featuring both national brands and private label products.

With the new leadership, Academy aims to strengthen its focus on employee engagement and organizational development, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the sporting goods and outdoor recreation retail industry.