GAP INC. NAMES TOM WYATT PRESIDENT OF OLD NAVY
SAN FRANCISCO (August 21, 2008) – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced
today that Tom Wyatt has been named president of its Old Navy division,
effective immediately. Wyatt, a 30-year retail veteran, has been serving as
interim president of the retailer since February.
“Old Navy retains a strong place in the hearts and minds of customers, and I’m
confident that -- with Tom as president -- more shoppers will rediscover the
fun and value that’s unique to this brand,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and
CEO of Gap Inc. “In the last six months, Tom unified the organization and
brought renewed focus to our customer target, while making the tough changes
necessary to get the brand back on track. He is the ideal business leader for
Old Navy.”
In addition, Murphy announced today the company’s intention to name, in the
near term, an accomplished executive-level merchant for Old Navy, who will
work side-by-side with Wyatt in guiding the product strategy for the brand.
“Tom and I are actively looking for a powerhouse merchant who can be the
creative force behind our product strategy as we build upon the positive steps
our teams have taken to improve the product we’ll offer our customers this
fall and holiday,” said Murphy.
In his first actions as brand president, Wyatt made several changes to his
senior management team, effective immediately, including announcing the
departure of merchandising executive vice president Sheryl Clark.
“All of us at Old Navy take seriously the opportunity and responsibility we
have to exceed the expectations of our customers. I’m excited about working
with this incredible team I’ve gotten to know as we bring our customers back
to Old Navy,” Wyatt said today. “This is the job of a lifetime.”
Wyatt, 53, joined Gap Inc. in early 2006, and previously served as president
of the company’s Outlet division until he joined Old Navy this year. His 30
years of retail experience include: serving as president and CEO of a mid-size
athletic apparel company; president of Warnaco Intimate Apparel; and a senior
executive within the Saks family of companies.
Separately, the company announced that, effective immediately, Art Peck has
been appointed president of the Outlet division, which operates Gap Outlet and
Banana Republic Factory Stores.
Peck, 52, has been serving as interim president of Outlet since February 2008,
and joined the company in 2005 as executive vice president of corporate
strategy. Among other accomplishments, he oversaw the development and
successful launch of the company’s franchising program. Under his leadership,
nearly 100 Gap and Banana Republic franchise stores have opened in 19
countries in less than two years. Prior to Gap Inc., Peck served for 23 years
at the Boston Consulting Group.
“Art’s tremendous business acumen enables him to identify a great idea and
then empower his team to deliver,” said Murphy. “The popularity of our Outlet
stores, along with the entrepreneurial zeal to try new ideas, make this a
great fit for Art and the organization.”
Both Wyatt and Peck will continue to report to Murphy in their new roles.
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, and
Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2007 sales were $15.8 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, Europe, and the Middle East. For more information, please visit
gapinc.com.