Genesco (NYSE: GCO) hires Jonathan Collins as CFO, starting August 3
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Genesco Inc. is appointing Jonathan Collins as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 3, 2026, at which time he will become the company’s principal financial officer and Mimi E. Vaughn will cease serving as interim CFO.
Collins brings more than three decades of senior financial experience, including leadership roles at Walmart, Flipkart Group, Walmart Canada and most recently as Chief Financial Officer of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. His background spans global retail, e-commerce and capital markets.
His compensation includes an annual base salary of $550,000, a target short‑term incentive for Fiscal 2027 of $412,500 (75% of base salary, prorated for service), and a target long‑term incentive of $825,000 (150% of base salary) split 50% into three‑year performance share units and 50% time‑based restricted stock. Initial total direct compensation at target is $1,787,500, plus a relocation stipend of $25,000 per quarter for three quarters and participation in the Executive Severance Plan and an Employment Protection Agreement.
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Insights
Genesco installs a permanent, experienced CFO with a structured incentive package.
Genesco names Jonathan Collins as permanent CFO, ending a period in which CEO Mimi Vaughn also served as interim CFO. This separation of roles restores a more typical governance structure, with a seasoned finance leader overseeing reporting, capital allocation and long‑term planning.
The pay design links a large share of compensation to performance, with a $412,500 short‑term incentive target and a $825,000 long‑term equity target tied to multi‑year performance share units and time‑vested restricted stock. This mix can align Collins’ interests with long‑term shareholder outcomes.
Collins’ background leading finance for Walmart Africa, Flipkart Group and Walmart Canada, and his most recent role as CFO of America’s Car‑Mart, suggests familiarity with complex global retail and e‑commerce operations. Subsequent company filings may show how his initiatives affect margins, cost discipline and capital structure over future fiscal periods.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan financial
Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program financial
restricted stock awards financial
Executive Severance Plan financial
Employment Protection Agreement financial
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On June 29, 2026, Genesco Inc. (the “Company”) announced the appointment of Jonathan Collins as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Collins will begin his employment as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer on August 3, 2026 (the “Effective Date”). In connection with his appointment, Mr. Collins will also serve as the Company’s principal financial officer as of the Effective Date. As previously announced, Mimi E. Vaughn, the Company’s Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer was appointed by the Company’s board of directors to serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and principal financial officer until a successor was named by the Company. As such, as of the Effective Date, Ms. Vaughn will no longer serve as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and principal financial officer.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Collins, age 54, served as Chief Financial Officer of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRMT) since May 2025. Previously, Mr. Collins served in various leadership roles at Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ: WMT) (“Walmart”) from 2012 to 2025, including as Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Walmart Africa from 2023 to 2025, Vice President, Controllership from 2018 to 2023, Senior Director, International FP&A from 2014 to 2018 and Senior Director, Internal Audit from 2012 to 2014. Prior to joining Walmart, Mr. Collins served at KPMG LLP from 2000 to 2012, rising from Manager through multiple promotions to Partner. Mr. Collins holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Kennesaw State University. Mr. Collins is a Certified Public Accountant.
In connection with his appointment, Mr. Collins will receive an annual base salary of $550,000. Mr. Collins will be eligible under the Company’s Short-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (as such plan may be amended, modified, or terminated from time to time) to receive a target incentive award for the fiscal year beginning February 1, 2026 (“Fiscal 2027”), equal to $412,500, or 75% of Mr. Collins’ annual base salary for Fiscal 2027. Mr. Collins’ Fiscal 2027 Short-Term Incentive Plan award will be prorated based on his period of service during Fiscal 2027. Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, for Fiscal 2027, Mr. Collins will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program, with Mr. Collins’ target for Fiscal 2027 being equal to $825,000, which is equal to 150% of Mr. Collins’ annual base salary for Fiscal 2027. The long-term incentive award will be composed of (i) 50% performance share units that cliff-vest after three years and (ii) 50% time-based restricted stock awards. The first one-third tranche of the restricted stock award will vest one year from the grant date. The second and third tranches of the restricted stock award will vest on April 4, 2028 and April 4, 2029, respectively, to align with the Company’s customary vesting schedule. Mr. Collins’ initial total direct compensation at target will be $1,787,500. In addition, Mr. Collins will receive a relocation stipend of $25,000 per quarter, payable for three quarters. Mr. Collins will also become a participant in the Company’s Executive Severance Plan, and the Company and Mr. Collins will enter into the Company’s form Employment Protection Agreement providing for certain benefits in the event of a change of control.
There are no family relationships between Mr. Collins and any director or executive officer of the Company, and the Company is not aware of any transactions with Mr. Collins that are reportable pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no legal proceedings required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 401(d) of Regulation S-K.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
A press release issued by the Company announcing Mr. Collins’ appointment is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
Description |
99.1 |
Press Release, dated June 29, 2026. |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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Genesco Inc. |
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Date: |
June 29, 2026 |
By: |
/s/Scott E. Becker |
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Scott E. Becker |
EXHIBIT 99.1
GENESCO NAMES JONATHAN COLLINS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
--Proven Global Retail Finance Executive Brings
Deep Financial, Operational and Capital Markets Expertise
to Support Genesco’s Footwear First Strategy--
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 29, 2026– Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) today announced the appointment of Jonathan Collins as Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 3, 2026, following a comprehensive search process. Collins will report directly to Genesco Board Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Mimi E. Vaughn, who has served as Interim Chief Financial Officer since March 2026.
“Jonathan is an accomplished finance executive with an exceptional combination of public company leadership and multi-channel global retail expertise,” said Vaughn. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to strengthen financial organizations, drive operational discipline and support profitable growth. His broad experience across consumer-facing, large-scale, retail and e-commerce businesses, combined with his strategic financial acumen, makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team, as we continue executing our Footwear First strategy and creating shareholder value.”
Collins brings an impressive record of more than 30 years of senior financial experience. He spent more than a decade with Walmart (from 2012 to 2025) in a series of successive executive leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer of Walmart Africa, Chief Accounting Officer of Flipkart Group, and Chief Accounting Officer of Walmart Canada. Across these positions, he was instrumental in helping drive growth, operational improvements, capital allocation strategies and business transformation.
Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer of America’s Car-Mart, Inc., where he led significant improvement initiatives, including strengthening the company’s capital structure, enhancing financial operations and implementing long-range planning and performance management processes.
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EXHIBIT 99.1
GENESCO INC. – Page 2
“I am honored and humbled to join Genesco at such an exciting time in the Company’s growth journey,” said Collins. “Genesco’s portfolio of powerful footwear brands and impactful Footwear First strategy create a compelling foundation for future growth with clear momentum underway. I look forward to partnering with Mimi, the Board and the leadership team to help advance the Company’s strategic priorities and create value for shareholders.”
About Jonathan Collins
Collins brings more than three decades of financial leadership experience ranging from large-scale global retail operations to leading e-commerce platforms across North America, Africa and Asia. He joins Genesco after serving as Chief Financial Officer of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. (2025 to 2026) where he led efforts to recapitalize the company and strengthen financial operations. Previously, Collins spent 13 years with Walmart in senior leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer of Walmart Africa, where he led the finance function for the $5 billion retail subsidiary operating across eight African countries, improving overall costs and profitability, and as Chief Accounting Officer of Flipkart Group, comprising Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce platform with $15 billion in revenue, and PhonePe, India’s largest fintech platform with $1 billion in revenue and $1.5 trillion in payment transactions value. As Chief Accounting Officer of Walmart Canada, a $25 billion Walmart subsidiary, he led a comprehensive transformation in controllership empowering teams for more strategic, value adding work. Earlier in his career, Collins was a partner with KPMG, where he led global strategic advisory engagements across the U.S., China and Australia.
He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Kennesaw State University. Collins is a Certified Public Accountant.
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EXHIBIT 99.1
GENESCO – Page 3
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, including those regarding future sales, earnings, operating income, gross margins, expenses, tariff refunds, capital expenditures, depreciation and amortization, tax rates, store openings and closures, cost reductions, and all other statements not addressing solely historical facts or present conditions. Forward-looking statements are usually identified by or are associated with such words as “intend,” “expect,” “feel,” “should,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “optimistic,” “confident” and similar terminology. Actual results could vary materially from the expectations reflected in these statements. A number of factors could cause differences. These include adjustments to projections reflected in forward-looking statements, including those resulting from weakness in store, e-commerce and shopping mall traffic, the imposition of tariffs (including the timing and amount thereof) on products imported by the Company or its vendors as well as the ability and costs to move production of products in response to tariffs; the amount and timing of any tariff refunds; our ability to pass on price increases to our customers; restrictions on operations imposed by government entities and/or landlords, changes in public safety and health requirements, and limitations on the Company’s ability to adequately staff and operate stores. Differences from expectations could also result from store closures and effects on the business as a result of the level of consumer spending on our merchandise and interest in our brands and in general; the level and timing of promotional activity necessary to maintain inventories at appropriate levels; the Company’s ability to obtain from suppliers products that are in-demand on a timely basis and effectively manage disruptions in product supply or distribution, including disruptions as a result of pandemics or geopolitical events, including shipping disruptions near crucial trade routes; unfavorable trends in fuel costs, foreign exchange rates, foreign labor and material costs, and other factors affecting the cost of products; a disruption in shipping or increase in cost of our imported products, and other factors affecting the cost of products; our dependence on third-party vendors and licensors for
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EXHIBIT 99.1
GENESCO – Page 4
the products we sell; store closures and effects on the business as a result of civil disturbances; our ability to renew our license agreements; impacts of the ongoing geopolitical conflicts around the world including, without limitation, the conflict with Iran; and other sources of market weakness in the locations in which we operate; the effectiveness of the Company's omnichannel initiatives; costs associated with shareholder activism; costs associated with changes in minimum wage and overtime requirements; wage pressures; labor shortages; the effects of inflation; the evolving regulatory landscape related to our use of social media; weakness in the consumer economy and retail industry; competition and fashion trends in the Company's markets, including trends with respect to the popularity of casual and dress footwear; any failure to increase sales at our existing stores, given our high fixed expense cost structure, and in our e -commerce businesses; risks related to the potential for terrorist events; changes in buying patterns by significant wholesale customers; changes in consumer preferences; our ability to continue to complete and integrate acquisitions; our ability to expand our business and diversify our product base; impairment of goodwill in connection with acquisitions; payment related risks that could increase our operating cost, expose us to fraud or theft, subject us to potential liability and disrupt our business; and changes in the timing of holidays or in the onset of seasonal weather affecting period-to-period sales comparisons. Additional factors that could cause differences from expectations include the ability to secure allocations to refine product assortments to address consumer demand; the ability to renew leases in existing stores and control or lower occupancy costs, to open or close stores in the number and on the planned schedule, and to conduct required remodeling or refurbishment on schedule and at expected expense levels; the Company’s ability to realize anticipated cost savings, including rent savings and savings in connection with the restructuring of the Company’s information technology functions; the amount and timing of share repurchases; our ability to make our occupancy costs more variable; the Company’s ability to achieve expected digital gains and gain market share; deterioration in the
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EXHIBIT 99.1
GENESCO – Page 5
performance of individual businesses or of the Company's market value relative to its
book value, resulting in impairments of fixed assets, operating lease right of use assets or intangible assets or other adverse financial consequences and the timing and amount of such impairments or other consequences; unexpected changes to the market for the Company's shares or for the retail sector in general; costs and reputational harm as a result of disruptions in the Company’s business or information technology systems either by security breaches and incidents or by potential problems associated with
implementation of new or upgraded systems or as the result of the restructuring of the Company’s information technology functions; changes in tax laws and tax rates and the Company’s ability to realize any anticipated tax benefits in both the amount and timeframe anticipated; and the cost and outcome of litigation, investigations, environmental matters and other disputes involving the Company. Additional factors are cited in the "Risk Factors," "Legal Proceedings" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of, and elsewhere in, the Company’s SEC filings, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC website, www.sec.gov, or by contacting the investor relations department of Genesco via the Company’s website, www.genesco.com. Many of the factors that will determine the outcome of the subject matter of this release are beyond Genesco's ability to control or predict. Genesco undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Forward-looking statements reflect the expectations of the Company at the time they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements.
About Genesco Inc.
Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) is a footwear first company with distinctively positioned retail and lifestyle brands and proven omnichannel capabilities offering customers the footwear they desire in engaging shopping environments, including more than 1,200
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GENESCO – Page 6
retail stores and branded e-commerce websites. Its Journeys, Little Burgundy and
Schuh brands serve teens, kids and young adults with on-trend fashion footwear that inspires youth culture in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Johnston & Murphy serves successful, affluent men and women with premium footwear, apparel and accessories in the U.S. and Canada, and Genesco Brands Group sells branded lifestyle footwear to leading retailers under licensed brands including Wrangler, Dockers and Starter. Founded in 1924, Genesco is based in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information on Genesco and its operating divisions, please visit www.genesco.com.
Genesco Media Contact
Claire S. McCall, Director, Corporate Relations
(615) 308-2483 / cmccall@genesco.com
Genesco Financial Contact
Darryl MacQuarrie, Senior Director, FP&A & Investor Relations
(615) 308-5629 / dmacquarrie@genesco.com