San Francisco — Tom Wyatt, president of the Old Navy brand, has resigned from Gap Inc. in order to take a position at another company outside of the apparel retail business, effective February 3.
San Francisco — Tom Wyatt, president of the Old Navy brand, has resigned from Gap Inc. in order to take a position at another company outside of the apparel retail business, effective February 3, 2012. The company has named two senior executives at Old Navy to lead the division, reporting to Glenn Murphy, Gap Inc.’s chairman and CEO, while a formal search for a new brand president is under way.
“Tom Wyatt has been a passionate advocate for Old Navy over the past 4 years, and strengthened the brand by focusing on its core customers and unique value proposition,” says Murphy. “We wish him the very best as he embarks upon this new phase of his career.”
Wyatt joined Gap Inc. in 2006, and served in roles leading the Gap Body and Outlet businesses. He was appointed president of the Old Navy brand in August 2008. During his tenure, Wyatt evolved the brand’s family-friendly shopping environment in remodeled Old Navy stores, oversaw the creation of the successful Supermodelquins marketing campaign, and laid the groundwork for the brand’s upcoming global expansion.
“This was probably one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make,” Wyatt says. “An opportunity came my way that allows me to devote myself to helping children get the education they deserve. Working with the strong leadership team at Old Navy, I’m both proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past 4 years and confident in the plans in place to improve the brand’s performance in 2012 and beyond.”
During this transition period for Old Navy, two executives will take the helm reporting to Murphy. Nancy Green, executive vice president and chief creative officer for Old Navy, will continue to guide product development for the brand. She has more than 19 years of experience within Gap Inc., having started as a merchandise trainee in 1986 and rising to senior merchandising roles for Old Navy and Gap. Tom Sands, executive vice president of stores and operations for Old Navy, will take on additional operational functions within the brand. Sands previously held senior operations roles within Gap Inc., after having established his retail career over 19 years with Target.
“Nancy and Tom have complementary skills, and each has been heavily involved in developing the plans to get Old Navy back on track,” says Murphy.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Gap Inc. has 3,100 company-operated stores and 200 franchise stores. For more information, visit www.gapinc.com.