Gap promotes two members of senior team
Gap has promoted Jeff Kirwan and Andi Owen to the positions of global brand presidents for Gap and Banana Republic.
The moves were orchestrated by Art Peck as he prepares to take on the role of Gap chief executive in February. Gap said the promotions had the full support of current chairman and chief executive Glenn Murphy.
Having worked for the last three years as Gap’s president of greater China, Kirwan will become global president for the Gap brand following a brief transition period. He will succeed Stephen Sunnucks who is leaving the company in December.
Under Kirwan’s leadership, Gap has deployed an aggressive e-commerce strategy in China and has opened 100 stores in the region in four years. Over the past decade, Kirwan has worked in a number of roles at Gap and Old Navy and has expertise in driving growth, retail operations, and brand development.
Meanwhile, Andi Owen will become global president for Banana Republic in January. Currently leading the Gap Outlet division, she will replace Jack Calhoun who will leave the company on 1 February after working with Owen during a transition period.
In a 25 year career with Gap, Owen has worked in a range of leadership roles within merchandising, online, and stores. She spent 19 years working within Banana Republic, rising from management positions in the field to leading the Banana Republic factory store business, before taking on her current role as EVP of global Gap Outlet.
Commenting on the promotions, Peck said: “We’ll start 2015 with a management team comprised of both established executives and the next generation of brand leaders ready for the next generation of customers.
“We’ve provided a transition period that allows our teams to deliver a successful holiday, while gearing up for a future where great product, showcased seamlessly across physical and digital experiences, consistently delights our customers.”
Murphy added: “These are important changes within the company, and I’ve been impressed with both Jeff and Andi’s development during our work together these past eight years. We’ve prepared leaders, with experience across all aspects of the global business, who are ready and eager for the challenges and the opportunities ahead.”
