GAP INC. ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES AT GAP BRAND
Marka Hansen Named Gap Brand President
SAN FRANCISCO – February 1, 2007 – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced
today that Marka Hansen, 53, president of Banana Republic, has been named
president, Gap North America, effective immediately. Ms. Hansen will report
directly to Bob Fisher, Gap Inc.’s interim president and CEO. Ms. Hansen
succeeds Cynthia Harriss, 54, who has resigned from the company.
"During the past twenty years, Marka has developed a unique blend of deep
merchandising expertise, extensive leadership experience and a real
appreciation for the company’s culture and creative heritage,” said Mr.
Fisher. “Marka also has demonstrated through her tenure at Banana Republic
that she understands what it takes to lead an iconic apparel brand.”
“I’m excited about the opportunity to lead the company’s flagship brand,” said
Ms. Hansen. “While there are challenges that lay ahead, with the support of
the extremely passionate, talented and committed Gap brand team, I’m confident
that together we can reclaim Gap brand’s authority in casual apparel.”
Ms. Hansen began her career with the company in 1987 as a merchandise manager
for Banana Republic. She joined Gap’s International division in 1993 as vice
president of merchandising leading the brand’s expansion into Europe and
Japan, and was promoted to senior vice president in 1995. She briefly led Gap
Inc.’s Human Resources organization beginning in 2000, before being promoted
to executive vice president of Gap adult merchandising in 2002. Ms. Hansen
became president of Banana Republic in 2003.
“I want to thank Cynthia for her incredible efforts at both our Outlet
business and Gap brand over the past three years,” said Fisher. “We all
appreciate her hard work and wish her well in the future.”
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty
retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men,
women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Forth &
Towne and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2005 sales were $16.0 billion. Gap
Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom,
Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its
international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic
in Asia and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.