President and chief executive officer at athletic shoe retailer Foot Locker, Ken Hicks, has been given the additional position of chairman of the board.

The new role takes effect January 31, 2010. Mr Hicks will succeed Matthew Serra, who is to retire from the company and the board of directors on January 30.

James Preston, Foot Locker's lead director, said: "The board of directors is very pleased that, as part of the planned transition in connection with Matt Serra's retirement, Ken Hicks will take on the additional role of chairman of the board. Ken is a seasoned retail company executive who has the background and experience to be a strong leader of Foot Locker."

Mr Hicks became president and chief executive officer on August 17. Prior to joining the company, he served as president and chief merchandising officer of JC Penney and as a member of its board of directors.