Proven brand leader to advance customer strategy and marketing across
Old Navy and Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. today announced that Michael Francis has been appointed Chief Customer Officer, Old Navy, and Head of Marketing Shared Services, Gap Inc. A seasoned global brand and marketing executive, Francis has held senior leadership roles across retail, entertainment and consumer brands. His experience includes serving as President of JCPenney, Chief Marketing Officer at Target, and Chief Global Brand Officer at DreamWorks Animation. He has also advised major organizations, including Walmart, on brand strategy, customer engagement, and business transformation.
In his new role, Francis will lead Old Navy’s end-to-end customer strategy, with responsibility for strengthening brand storytelling, deepening customer engagement, and evolving the customer experience across touchpoints. As Head of Marketing Shared Services, Michael will also oversee media strategy and execution for Gap Inc. and help drive greater integration and effectiveness across the company’s portfolio of brands.
Francis, who recently served as an advisor to Old Navy, will report to Haio Barbeito, President and CEO of Old Navy. He will work closely with leaders across Old Navy and Gap Inc. to align brand, marketing and customer experience strategies in support of the company’s next phase of growth.
“Old Navy is a beloved brand with real momentum, and Michael knows how to translate customer insight into relevance, resonance and growth,” said Haio Barbeito, President and CEO of Old Navy. “He brings a rare combination of strategic vision, creative instinct and commercial rigor. As we continue to evolve the brand, Michael will help sharpen how we show up for customers and strengthen every connection they have with Old Navy.”
“Michael is one of the most respected brand builders in retail,” said Richard Dickson, President and CEO of Gap Inc. “With deep experience spanning retail, brand, and entertainment, he has a proven ability to connect creativity, culture, and commerce in ways that energize the business, attract customers, and build stronger brands with lasting loyalty. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Old Navy, advancing more integrated marketing capabilities across Gap Inc., and bringing to life a compelling vision rooted in meaningful storytelling.”
“I’m honored to join Old Navy at such an exciting moment for the brand,” said Michael Francis. “Old Navy has a powerful connection with customers and enormous opportunity ahead. I’m excited to partner with Haio and the team to build on that momentum, elevate the customer experience and tell stories that are distinctive, modern and unmistakably Old Navy.”
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc., a purpose-driven house of iconic brands, is the largest specialty apparel company in America. Its Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women and children available worldwide through company-operated and franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has created products and experiences that shape culture, while doing right by employees, communities and the planet through its commitment to bridge gaps to create a better world. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
About Old Navy
Old Navy is a North American apparel and accessories brand that offers the perfect blend of fashion and value. We are the style destination for all generations, for every moment and milestone. Founded in 1994 as part of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP), Old Navy operates more than 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada, as well as franchise locations around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.
Contact: Press@Gap.com