Mary Dillon, a seasoned business executive with a four-decade-long career, has taken the helm at Foot Locker as President and CEO since September 2022. Known for her diverse experience across consumer-driven industries, Dillon has held influential roles at major companies such as Ulta Beauty, McDonald’s, and PepsiCo.
In her current role at Foot Locker, Dillon is focused on streamlining business operations, unlocking value in core retail and banner brands, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing organizational structure. With a strategic emphasis on Foot Locker's brand portfolio, she aims to ignite the inner sneakerhead in all consumers.
Dillon, a brand-building guru and marketing data expert, saw 2023 as a "reset year" for Foot Locker. She emphasized the importance of joint planning, data sharing, and insight collaboration, particularly with major brand partners like Nike.
Notably, Dillon made history by becoming the third woman to lead two Fortune 500 companies, following Patricia K. Poppe and Meg Whitman. Her achievements extend beyond the corporate realm, as she also serves as an independent director of KKR & Co., Inc., a global investment company.
Before joining Foot Locker, Dillon served as CEO of Ulta Beauty from July 2013 to June 2021, overseeing a period of remarkable growth that doubled the retailer's store network and earned it a spot in the S&P 500. During her tenure, she prioritized Ulta Beauty's e-commerce business, introduced virtual makeup try-on features like GLAMlab, and established the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, contributing over $20 million to support women and their families.
Dillon's successful leadership at Ulta Beauty resulted in nearly tripling the company's sales and store footprint, reaching a record-high revenue of $8.6 billion by the time of her departure in 2021.
Before Ulta, Dillon held key positions at United States Cellular Corporation and McDonald’s Corporation, where she served as Global Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President. Her career at PepsiCo, including roles as President of the Quaker Foods division, showcased her expertise in marketing and leadership.
Dillon's journey from various jobs, including waitress, house cleaner, and bank teller, to earning her marketing degree in 1983 from the University of Illinois, reflects her determination and work ethic.
As Foot Locker's CEO, Dillon's strategic vision, combined with her extensive experience and passion for consumer-driven businesses, positions her as a transformative leader, navigating the athletic footwear giant through a new era of growth and innovation.