Academy Sports + Outdoors Appoints Three to its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Academy Sports + Outdoors (Nasdaq: ASO) appointed Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson to its Board of Directors, effective December 1, 2025. Mr. Dastugue was also named to the Audit Committee. The company said the additions strengthen capabilities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, accounting, finance, and real estate and support its Long Range Plan.

Backgrounds: Dastugue brings 30+ years in accounting, finance, real estate, and retail operations with prior CFO roles at Hanesbrands and Walmart US; Hennessy has 25 years in restaurant leadership, digital growth, and finance with recent roles at Habit Burger and KFC; Johnson brings 25+ years in digital transformation and technology leadership, most recently at Yum! Brands. Academy's Board now totals 12 directors.

Positive

• Three directors appointed, effective Dec 1, 2025
• Michael Dastugue named to the Audit Committee
• Board expertise strengthened in digital transformation and AI
• Board now comprises 12 directors

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-2.25%

5 alerts

-2.25% News Effect

-$78M Valuation Impact

$3.37B Market Cap

0.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ASO declined 2.25%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 5 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $78M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $3.37B at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Board appointees: 3 directors Board size: 12 directors Experience Dastugue: 30+ years +5 more

8 metrics

Board appointees 3 directors Number of new Board members appointed effective December 1, 2025

Board size 12 directors Total Board size after the new appointments

Experience Dastugue 30+ years Accounting, finance, real estate and retail operations experience

Experience Hennessy 25 years Restaurant leadership and consulting across operations and digital growth

Experience Johnson 25+ years Digital transformation, cybersecurity, strategic planning, global operations

Yum! Brands tenure Oct 2019–Apr 2024 Johnson as Chief Digital and Technology Officer

Habit Burger CEO Since June 2023 Hennessy serving as Chief Executive Officer

Hanesbrands CFO May 2021–Feb 2023 Dastugue’s most recent CFO role before joining Board

Market Reality Check

Price: $59.13 Vol: Volume 2,201,860 is 1.21x...

normal vol

$59.13 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,201,860 is 1.21x the 20-day average, showing elevated interest around the board changes. normal

Technical Shares at $56.35 are trading above the 200-day MA of $47.11, reflecting a pre-existing upward trend before this management update.

Peers on Argus

ASO gained 3.64% while peers were mixed: RH fell 3.55%, BBWI rose 2.10%, MNSO 1....

1 Down

ASO gained 3.64% while peers were mixed: RH fell 3.55%, BBWI rose 2.10%, MNSO 1.19%, FIVE 2.40%, and MUSA 1.80%, suggesting a company-specific response to governance changes rather than a broad sector move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 09 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 09	Earnings results	Positive	+8.6%	Stronger Q3 sales, EPS growth, and eCommerce gains with raised guidance.
Dec 05	Dividend declaration	Positive	+1.9%	Quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share for fiscal Q3 2025.
Dec 02	Board appointments	Positive	-2.3%	Three new directors added, enhancing finance and digital capabilities.
Nov 25	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+3.1%	Announcement of timing and access details for Q3 2025 results call.
Nov 18	Store openings	Positive	-1.6%	Five new Q4 stores, bringing fiscal 2025 new-store openings to 24.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows positive reactions to financial updates and dividends, while operational or governance announcements (store openings, board appointments) have sometimes seen short-term share price softness.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Academy reported Q3 2025 results with net sales of $1,383.7M, GAAP EPS of $1.05, and eCommerce growth of 22.2%, which drew a +8.64% next-day move. A quarterly dividend of $0.13 per share also saw a positive reaction. Store expansion remained active, with 24 new stores in fiscal 2025 and over 1,400 jobs created. Against this growth backdrop, the current appointment of three experienced directors expands Board expertise in finance, digital transformation, and technology, bringing the Board to 12 members.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds three seasoned executives to Academy’s Board, expanding skills in finance, di...

Analysis

This announcement adds three seasoned executives to Academy’s Board, expanding skills in finance, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and technology leadership. In recent months the company reported growing sales, expanding eCommerce, continued store openings, and maintained dividends, while also operating above its 200-day moving average of $47.11. Key items to watch include how the refreshed Board supports the Long Range Plan, influences digital initiatives, and oversees capital allocation and risk management.

Key Terms

audit committee, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity

4 terms

audit committee financial

"and Mr. Dastugue to the Audit Committee, effective Monday, December 1, 2025."

A company's audit committee is a small group of board members who act like independent inspectors for the firm's finances, overseeing how financial reports are prepared, monitoring internal controls, and managing the relationship with external auditors. Investors care because a strong audit committee reduces the risk of accounting errors, fraud, or misleading statements, making financial statements more trustworthy and helping protect shareholder value.

digital transformation technical

"bolsters Academy's capabilities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, accounting,"

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change how organizations operate, deliver value, and connect with customers. It often involves updating systems, automating tasks, and improving digital tools to increase efficiency and stay competitive. For investors, it signifies a company's ability to adapt to technological advances, which can impact its growth prospects and long-term success.

artificial intelligence technical

"capabilities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, accounting, finance, and real"

Artificial intelligence is the ability of computers and machines to perform tasks that typically require human thinking, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. For investors, it matters because AI can enhance efficiency, uncover new insights, and enable smarter strategies, potentially impacting the value and performance of companies that develop or utilize this technology.

cybersecurity technical

"Mr. Johnson has over 25 years of digital transformation, cybersecurity, strategic planning,"

Cybersecurity involves protecting computers, networks, and digital information from theft, damage, or unauthorized access. It is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining trust in digital systems, which matters to investors because strong cybersecurity reduces the risk of costly breaches and disruptions that can impact a company’s performance and reputation. Think of it as locking and safeguarding valuable information much like securing a safe to prevent theft.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson named Directors

KATY, Texas, Dec. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. ("Academy" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ASO) today announced that Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson have been appointed to its Board of Directors (the "Board"), and Mr. Dastugue to the Audit Committee, effective Monday, December 1, 2025. As Academy continues to make progress on its Long Range Plan, the addition of industry veterans Mr. Dastugue, Ms. Hennessy, and Mr. Johnson to its Board reinforces the strength of the business and its strategies for continued growth. In addition, it bolsters Academy's capabilities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, accounting, finance, and real estate which align with the Company's strategic imperatives.

"We are pleased to welcome Michael, Shannon, and Clay," said Ken Hicks, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We continuously evaluate the composition of our Board to ensure our Directors are both brand and business experts that share a passion for helping more families to have fun outdoors. We believe Michael, Shannon, and Clay's combined expertise in complex business environments will enable Academy to capitalize on current opportunities and execute its growth strategy."

Mr. Dastugue has over 30 years of accounting, finance, real estate, and retail operations experience. He most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for Hanesbrands, Inc. from May 2021 to February 2023. Prior to Hanesbrands, Inc., Mr. Dastugue served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Walmart US from June 2015 to March 2021 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sam's Club from January 2013 to May 2015. Prior to Walmart Inc., Mr. Dastugue held various leadership positions at J. C. Penney Company, Inc. from 1991 to 2012, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and was previously a public accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. for three years. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance and earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Texas.

Ms. Hennessy has 25 years of experience across restaurant leadership and consulting, including retail operations, digital growth, financial planning, reporting, supply chain, logistics, talent, and strategic planning. She has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Habit Burger & Grill since June 2023 and as President from July 2022 to June 2023. Prior to Habit Burger & Grill, she served as the KFC Global Chief Financial Officer from February 2020 to August 2022. Prior to KFC, Ms. Hennessy was a consultant with McKinsey & Company with clients in consumer-facing industries, including retail, consumer goods, hospitality, and logistics for nearly 20 years. She is a graduate of The Wharton School with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and earned a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management.

Mr. Johnson has over 25 years of digital transformation, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and global operations experience. He most recently served as the Chief Digital and Technology Officer for Yum! Brands, Inc. from October 2019 to April 2024 and as Senior Advisor from April 2024 to April 2025. Prior to Yum! Brands, Inc., Mr. Johnson served as Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President, Global Business Services at Walmart, Inc. from January 2017 to October 2019. He served as Chief Information Officer, Senior Vice President and Corporate Officer at General Electric Power and General Electric Digital from July 2014 to January 2017. Mr. Johnson held other senior positions at Boeing, Dell, Nortel Networks, FedEx, and the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Johnson previously served on the board of directors of Sealed Air Corporation from May 2023 to May 2025, including on its Audit Committee. He is a graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas, Dallas.

With this change, Academy's Board is now comprised of 12 directors.

About Academy Sports + Outdoors
Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Academy's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements may incorporate words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "forward," "ahead," "opportunities," "plans," "priorities," "goals," "future," "short/long term," "will," "should," or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond Academy's control. These and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Academy's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including Academy's Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Part 1A.Risk Factors," as may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statement in this press release speaks only as of the date of this release. Academy undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Investor Contact		Media Contact
Dan Aldridge		Meredith Klein
VP, Investor Relations		VP, Communications
832-739-4102		346-823-6615
dan.aldridge@academy.com		meredith.klein@academy.com

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SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors

FAQ

Who were named to the Academy Sports + Outdoors board on December 1, 2025 (ASO)?

Academy appointed Michael Dastugue, Shannon Hennessy, and Clay Johnson to its board, effective Dec 1, 2025.

Which new Academy director (ASO) joined the Audit Committee on Dec 1, 2025?

Michael Dastugue was appointed to Academy's Audit Committee, effective Dec 1, 2025.

How does the December 2025 board change affect Academy Sports + Outdoors' (ASO) board size?

With the additions, Academy's Board increased to 12 directors.

What experience does Shannon Hennessy bring to Academy's board (ASO)?

Shannon Hennessy brings 25 years in restaurant leadership, digital growth, finance, and supply chain with recent roles at Habit Burger and KFC.

What digital and technology expertise does Clay Johnson add to Academy's board (ASO)?

Clay Johnson adds 25+ years in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technology leadership, including roles at Yum! Brands and Walmart.

Why did Academy (ASO) add three directors in December 2025?

The company said the additions bolster capabilities in digital transformation, AI, accounting, finance, and real estate to support its Long Range Plan.