US-based sporting goods retailer Hibbett Sports has announced that Mickey Newsome, the company's chairman and chief executive officer, is to become executive chairman of the company. At the same time, Jeffry Rosenthal, the company's president and chief operating officer, has been promoted to president and chief executive officer. Both moves are effective March 15.

Mr Newsome said: "I have worked closely with Jeff over the last 12 years; first in his role as vice president of merchandising and marketing, and most recently as president and COO. His extraordinary leadership and 29 years experience in the sporting goods industry have been key contributors to the success and growth of Hibbett Sports."

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