Mark Lardie

Mark Lardie, President & CEO, Rack Room Shoes

Recipient of the 2026 A.A. Bloom Memorial Award

Mark Lardie has spent his career at the very heart of the footwear industry, and for the last 14 years, he has been the driving force behind the continued success of Rack Room Shoes. As the President and CEO, Mark provides the strategic vision for Rack Room Shoes overseeing a massive retail footprint that now includes over 500 stores across the United States. Under his stewardship, the company has reached new heights, achieving record-breaking sales and significantly expanding its brand visibility in an increasingly competitive market.

Mark’s approach is defined by a deep commitment to the consumer and a sharp eye for product, qualities he honed while leading various divisions and reporting structures throughout his career. Before taking the helm at Rack Room Shoes, he built an impressive resume in high-level executive roles at major companies like Caleres, Famous Footwear, Footstar’s Athletic Division and The Athlete’s Foot. Before entering the executive world, Mark spent time selling shoes on the sales floor and managing stores, invaluable experience for his future roles. Augmenting his practical experience, Mark added an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis in the early 2000’s.

Today, Mark remains an engaged figure in professional and charitable communities, dedicating his time on the boards of SNIPES USA and the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA).