San Francisco — Gap Inc. has appointed Michael Francis as president and chief executive officer of Old Navy, effective Nov. 2, 2026. Francis will succeed Haio Barbeito, who will transition from his operating role into an advisory capacity.
Francis joined Gap Inc. in March 2026 as chief customer officer, Old Navy, and head of marketing shared services. Past roles include strategic advisor to Walmart’s c-suite and board for a decade; marketing and operating roles at DreamWorks Animation and JCPenney; and a 26-year career at Target, where he served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer for over a decade. He also previously consulted with Gap Inc. as part of broader portfolio engagement work.
“Old Navy is poised for its next chapter of growth, and Michael is uniquely equipped to step into this operating role,” says Richard Dickson, president and chief executive officer of Gap Inc. “Michael is one of the most respected commercial, brand and customer leaders in retail. His experience building iconic brands, cultivating customer connections and driving transformation at scale will help Old Navy strengthen its relevance, accelerate growth and deliver even greater value for customers.”
On Barbeito’s departure, Dickson adds: “I want to thank Haio for his leadership in strengthening Old Navy’s foundation, scaling our strategic categories and positioning the business for its next phase of growth. Since the beginning of our transformation, Old Navy has grown its annual revenue by nearly half a billion dollars, further reinforcing its position as the Number 1 specialty apparel brand and retailer in the U.S. We are grateful for Haio’s partnership and counsel as we focus on a seamless transition of leadership.”
Founded in 1969, Gap Inc. is the largest specialty apparel company in America whose brands include Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. For more information, visit www.gapinc.com.
SOURCE: Gap Inc.