Shoe Carnival Names Interim CEO, Beats Q4 Earnings

Cliff Sifford appointed as Interim President and CEO as company reports strong fiscal 2025 results.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Shoe Carnival, Inc. announced that Cliff Sifford, the company's current Vice Chairman of the Board, has been named the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 24, 2026. Sifford succeeds Mark Worden, who departed from his position as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer. For fiscal year 2025, Shoe Carnival reported net sales of $1.135 billion and diluted earnings per share of $1.90, which is $0.03 higher than consensus expectations. The company ended the fiscal year with over $130 million in cash and no debt.

Why it matters

Shoe Carnival's leadership transition and strong financial performance in fiscal 2025 demonstrate the company's ability to navigate challenges in the retail industry. The appointment of a seasoned executive like Cliff Sifford as interim CEO suggests the company is well-positioned to continue its growth and transformation strategy.

The details

Cliff Sifford, who has been with Shoe Carnival since 1997, previously served as the company's Vice Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman and CEO, and President and CEO. The company will commence a search for a permanent successor to Mark Worden. Shoe Carnival's fiscal 2025 results showed net sales of $1.135 billion and diluted EPS of $1.90, exceeding consensus expectations. The company also ended the year with a strong cash position of over $130 million and no debt.

  • Cliff Sifford was named Interim President and CEO effective February 24, 2026.
  • Mark Worden departed from his position as President and CEO, effective February 24, 2026.
  • Shoe Carnival reported its fiscal 2025 results, which ended on January 31, 2026.

The players

Cliff Sifford

Shoe Carnival's current Vice Chairman of the Board, who has been named the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the company.

Mark Worden

Shoe Carnival's former President and Chief Executive Officer, who has departed from his position.

Shoe Carnival, Inc.

A leading retailer of footwear and accessories for the family, operating 426 stores in 35 states and Puerto Rico under its Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station banners.

Charlie Tomm

The Lead Independent Director on Shoe Carnival's Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“We're grateful for Mark's many contributions throughout his career at Shoe Carnival and wish him all the best.”

— Charlie Tomm, Lead Independent Director (Shoe Carnival Press Release)

“I am honored to be named Interim President and Chief Executive Officer to help lead Shoe Carnival through its next phase of growth.”

— Cliff Sifford (Shoe Carnival Press Release)

What’s next

The company will commence a search for a permanent successor to Mark Worden as President and CEO.

The takeaway

Shoe Carnival's leadership transition and strong financial performance in fiscal 2025 demonstrate the company's ability to navigate challenges in the retail industry and position it for continued growth and transformation under the interim leadership of Cliff Sifford.