Shoe Carnival CEO retiring, exec replacing him

EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Citing health reasons, Shoe Carnival CEO and President Mark Lemond is retiring from the footwear and accessories company after 16 years leading it.

Clifton Sifford, an executive vice president with the company in charge of merchandising, will replace Lemond as CEO and president. He will also take on the chief merchandising officer title and join the board.

The retailer said Thursday that Lemond's retirement is effective on Oct. 27. He is also stepping down from the company's board.

The company's executive vice president and CFO, W. Kerry Jackson, will in addition become its chief operating officer, Shoe Carnival Inc. said Thursday.

The Evansville, Ind., company also maintained its forecast for the third quarter, which is in line with analyst expectations.

Shoe Carnival has 347 stores in 32 states. Its stock shed 24 cents, or 1 percent, to $24.01 in afternoon trading.