Genesco’s chief strategy and digital officer Parag Desai to retire

Genesco Inc. has announced that Parag D. Desai, the company’s senior vice president, chief strategy and digital officer, will retire effective October 31. His responsibilities will transition to other experienced members of Genesco’s senior leadership team.

Desai joined Genesco in 2014 as senior vice president, strategy and shared services. In April 2021, he was appointed senior vice president, chief strategy and digital officer.

During his tenure, Desai played a key role in shaping Genesco’s strategic direction and leading several of the company’s most significant initiatives. He also oversaw the transformation of Genesco’s technology platforms and data insights capabilities, helping establish a next-generation technology operating model.

“Parag has been an exceptional leader, trusted advisor and valued member of our executive team,” said Mimi E. Vaughn, Genesco’s board chair, president and chief executive officer. “His remarkable ability to connect strategy with execution and people across functional areas has helped shape Genesco’s evolution over the past decade.”

Vaughn added that Desai’s contributions to critical strategic initiatives and the company’s technology transformation had helped strengthen Genesco’s business and support the execution of its Footwear First strategy. She also expressed the company’s gratitude for his leadership and commitment to a thoughtful transition.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside the talented people of Genesco during a period of tremendous transformation,” said Desai. “Together, we strengthened the Company’s strategic foundation and built capabilities that position Genesco well for the future.”

Desai said he was leaving with confidence in Genesco’s team, strategy and future opportunities, adding that he looked forward to seeing the company build on its momentum.