New York, United States, November 2025 — Matthew Barnes has been appointed as the International President of Foot Locker, marking a significant strengthening of the company’s global leadership as it prepares for a major strategic reset in 2026. Effective 3 December 2025, Barnes will oversee Foot Locker’s operations across Europe, Asia, and Australia, bringing his extensive international retail leadership to one of the world’s most recognised footwear and apparel retailers. Speaking on his appointment, Barnes expressed that he is honoured to join such a globally admired brand at a pivotal moment for the sports retail sector.
Barnes most recently served as the UK Chief Executive Officer at Tesco, where he led the country’s largest supermarket business with responsibility for £46bn in annual sales, more than 4,000 stores, 30 distribution centres, and over 300,000 employees. As a member of Tesco’s Executive Committee, he also oversaw Online, Marketplace, Tesco Mobile, and Insurance & Money Services. His leadership at Tesco reinforced his strong operational capabilities, strategic foresight, and ability to drive large-scale transformation in highly competitive markets.
Before his tenure at Tesco, Barnes spent more than 26 years with ALDI SÜD HOLDING, one of Europe’s largest privately owned retail groups. His most recent role at ALDI was as Group CEO & International Board Member, where he was responsible for €50bn in annual turnover, 4,500 stores, and 200,000 employees across multiple countries. Across nearly three decades, he held several senior leadership positions including Chief Executive Officer UK/Ire, Group Managing Director UK/Ire, Managing Director Buying (Australia), and other major operational and regional leadership roles. His long and diverse tenure at ALDI cemented his reputation as an executive deeply experienced in driving retail performance across continents.
Earlier in his career, Barnes held leadership assignments across ALDI’s UK, Australia, and international divisions, where he gained extensive experience in store operations, buying, business growth, and team leadership. From his early days as Area Manager, NE UK, he advanced steadily through roles such as Store Operations Director (UK), Regional Managing Director (NW UK), and other pivotal leadership positions that shaped his global perspective and operational command. This strong progression reflects his ability to scale complex operations and lead high-growth, high-volume retail environments.
Across his journey of more than two decades in global retail, Barnes built a deep understanding of diverse consumer markets, supply chains, digital transformation, and retail innovation. His ability to manage businesses of massive scale, lead regional CEOs, oversee global sourcing, and drive strategic alignment positions him strongly for Foot Locker’s next phase of growth and reinvention in 2026 and beyond.
About Foot Locker
Foot Locker, Inc. is a global leader in footwear and athletic apparel retail, unlocking the “inner sneakerhead” in millions of customers worldwide. With approximately 2,500 stores across 26 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand—as well as franchised locations in the Middle East and Asia—Foot Locker has built a powerful multi-brand portfolio including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos. Headquartered in New York City, Foot Locker is powered by a diverse global workforce spanning its U.S., European, and Asia-Pacific headquarters and regional offices. Guided by a customer-obsessed and culture-driven philosophy, Foot Locker is deeply committed to creating meaningful connections, championing self-expression, and delivering unmatched retail experiences through the passion of its people.
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