Gap appoints new CEO

Apparel company Gap Inc. has announced the appointment of Richard Dickson as the company’s president and chief executive officer, effective 22 August, 2023. Dickson will join Gap Inc. from his most recent role as president and chief operating officer of Mattel, where he was a lead architect in a global corporate transformation that “has reinvigorated Mattel’s iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, as well as restored the company to growth and reaffirmed Mattel as an industry thought leader.” Prior to Mattel, Dickson was president and CEO of Branded Businesses for The Jones Group, where he led global design and development, including marketing and merchandising, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce, brought new relevance to dated fashion labels, and acquired and developed new brands. He also co-founded Gloss.com, the first online retailer dedicated to “high-end” cosmetics, and served as an executive at Bloomingdale’s. Dickson was appointed to Gap Inc. board of directors in November of 2022. Dickson said: "Gap Inc. is a portfolio of iconic brands, known for having defined American style with bold thinking and making quality fashion accessible to millions. But it's the work ahead that excites me most - the chance to work hand-in-hand with the teams to evolve Gap Inc. for a new era. Under Bobby's leadership, the team has begun to truly reset the company for long-term success, establishing a new foundation that I'm eager to build on." Mayo A. Shattuck III, lead independent director, added: “Richard has invaluable expertise in areas critical to the work Gap Inc. is doing to strengthen the company for the long term. And we are thrilled to have his visionary leadership as the company redefines the future potential of Gap Inc. and its renowned American fashion brands. “On behalf of the Gap Inc. board and management team, I want to thank Bobby Martin for serving as Interim CEO during this important time, and the teams who have moved quickly to simplify the company’s operating model, increase the speed and quality of decision making, and restore its creative muscle – work that will pay back for years to come.” Martin, who will remain chair of the board and ensure a smooth transition, concluded: “Gap Inc. has a rich heritage, with brands that have great meaning in people’s lives. Amidst a deliberate and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Richard is destined for this role at this moment. “His experience as a proven transformational brand builder and belief in the power of inclusivity, make him a perfect fit for Gap Inc.” Martin added, “I'm incredibly proud of the organisation’s commitment to the success of this company, as they are embracing operational rigour, regaining product and customer obsession, with an eye on modernising the way we work, all of which becomes a strong foundation for what’s ahead.”