Fleet Feet‘s leadership is expanding with the creation of a chief running officer position, and stepping into the role is three-time Olympic runner Jenny Simpson.
Announced Thursday, the American middle- and long-distance runner’s role will involve relaunching Fleet Feet‘s training programs, deepening the retailers’ connection to local running communities, and guiding brand partnerships. Beyond running, Fleet Fleet plans to expand with guidance for recovery, nutrition, sleep and other areas of wellness.
“My love for local running communities cannot be overstated,” Simpson said in a statement. “A local running store is where I bought my first running shoes, was introduced to road racing, and found my best friends. The running community supported me for over two decades as I chased my Olympic dreams. After hanging up my competitive racing shoes, I spent a year on the road, logging miles with running communities in all 50 states. I simply love runners, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have found a home at Fleet Feet where I can remain connected and serve these communities across the country.”
Simpson competed at the Olympics in 2008, 2012 and 2016 — the latter year bringing her a bronze medal in the 1500m race. Further accolades include four national championships in college for the University of Colorado, as well as one gold and two silver medals in the 1500m at the World Championships. After ending her professional career at the 2024 New York City Marathon, Simpson embarked on her 50-state “Run USA” tour, and she’s also served as an ambassador and adviser for the race’s organizer, New York Road Runners.
“I’ve known Jenny for more than a decade, from the peak of her competitive career to the thoughtful, purpose-driven leader she is today, and I’ve watched her grow both as an athlete and a person,” said Fleet Feet chief executive officer Joey Pointer. “As more people seek trusted guidance, connection, and inspiration on how to run and live well, now is the right time for Fleet Feet to deepen its leadership beyond retail and training. Fleet Feet is uniquely positioned to be the platform that elevates the work Jenny wants to do next, combining community reach, credibility and impact at a national scale. Her rare ability to connect authentically with everyone from children to large audiences makes this role both timely and deeply significant for the future of Fleet Feet.”
2025 marked another year of expansion for Fleet Feet, which closed the period with 284 doors for its franchised and corporate-owned locations, as well as another 28 for Marathon Sports, which it acquired in 2024. Pointer told Footwear News in December the plan for 2026 is to reach the 300- and 50-store marks for the two banners.
