Gap Inc, one of the leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands, has announced a series of significant management and organisational changes to drive more consistent results in North America and to provide a new and dynamic creative leadership structure that will deliver sustainable global growth. The changes are effective immediately.
“I expect more from our Gap business in North America,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO of Gap Inc, adding, “the changes we are making are intended to propel the brand to deliver the product and brand experiences our customers demand worldwide.” This move will allow Gap to build upon the momentum demonstrated by our successful store openings in China and Italy.
Art Peck, the leader responsible for growing the company’s highly-profitable Outlet business for the past three years, will take on the role of president of Gap North America. During his six years with Gap Inc., Peck has been a primary architect of the company’s franchise business and international growth platform. Peck is known equally for his impressive business results and engaging leadership style.
Pam Wallack, the current president of Gap Adult North America, will become head of Gap’s new Global Creative Center. As part of this role, Wallack will move from San Francisco to New York to centralise creative resources, including design, marketing, fashion public relations, and production. Marka Hansen will step down as president of Gap North America and will leave the company, effective from February 4.
As part of the move to support the global business, the company also announced the selection of a new advertising agency and the appointment of a new chief marketing officer in New York. Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide will become the agency for Gap brand globally, and Seth Farbman will become Gap brand’s global chief marketing officer.
In another significant shift to strengthen Gap Inc.’s North American platform, the company announced the strategic decision to merge together the operation of its Outlet division with the Gap and Banana Republic brands. This will bring the specialty retail stores and their value expression channels within the same organisation to better reflect the shopping habits of today’s consumer and to drive efficiencies over time.
– IndiaRetailing Bureau
