Schuh owner Genesco has revealed its chief strategy and digital officer Parag Desai will retire later this year after more than a decade with the group.

Desai, who serves as senior vice president and chief strategy and digital officer, will step down on 31 October, with his responsibilities set to be shared among other members of Genesco’s senior leadership team.

He joined the business in 2014 as senior vice president of strategy and shared services before being promoted to his current role in April 2021.

During his tenure, Desai played a key role in shaping Genesco’s wider strategy and led work to overhaul its technology platforms and data capabilities as the group sought to strengthen its digital operations.

Genesco chair, president and chief executive Mimi Vaughn said: “Parag has been an exceptional leader, trusted advisor and valued member of our executive team.”

She added that his ability to link strategy with execution had helped shape the company’s development over the past decade, including the delivery of its “Footwear First” strategy.

Desai said it had been “a privilege” to work with the Genesco team during a period of significant transformation, adding that the group had strengthened its strategic foundations and built capabilities to support its future growth.

No direct successor has been announced, with Desai’s duties instead due to transition to other senior leaders.

Genesco, which owns UK footwear retailer Schuh alongside brands including Journeys and Johnston & Murphy, has made a series of changes to its senior leadership team in recent months.

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