Activist group calls for Genesco director to resign over credential claims

An activist investor group holding approximately 9.1% of Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) shares is calling for board member Joanna Barsh to resign, alleging that Genesco's proxy statement misrepresents her qualifications.

The Radoff-Jumana Group, comprising Bradley L. Radoff, Jumana Capital Investments LLC and Christopher R. Martin, issued a statement claiming that Genesco's proxy statement inaccurately credits Ms. Barsh with "Public Company Leadership (CEO or Board Experience)" and "Senior Leadership Experience (C-Suite or Equivalent)." The group contends that Genesco is Ms. Barsh's only public company board experience and that she has never held a C-suite role.

The group also disputes the proxy statement's characterization of Ms. Barsh as having "financial, transaction, accounting or regulatory compliance expertise," noting that her career was spent as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. According to FactSet data cited in the statement, Genesco's share price declined 50.2% during Ms. Barsh's 13-year tenure on the board, measured through April 14, 2026.

The Radoff-Jumana Group is also targeting Thurgood Marshall, Jr., another Genesco board member, describing both directors as "over-tenured and unqualified." The group is nominating Westervelt T. Ballard, Jr. and Paula J. Poskon as replacement candidates at the upcoming annual meeting.

The group stated it would withdraw its proxy contest if Ms. Barsh and Mr. Marshall resign immediately and one of its nominees is appointed to the board. It also called for the separation of the company's chair and CEO roles as part of any settlement.

According to the statement, the group previously submitted suggestions to the board in a June 29, 2026 presentation and sought to negotiate a settlement, but said the board declined to meaningfully engage with its proposals or conduct interviews of its nominees. The group noted this is Genesco's third activist campaign in eight years.

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