Gap promotes Sunnucks as it unveils new structure

The retailer is restructuring in an effort to drive long-term growth.

From the beginning of its new financial year in February, Gap will combine its North American, international, online, outlet and franchise divisions under a single global executive for each of its Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy brands.

Chairman and chief executive Glenn Murphy said: “Our strong performance gives us the confidence to make this move to bring each brand together with the goal of gaining market share around the world and enhancing shareholder value.

“The global teams will move even faster in anticipating and responding to the ever-evolving needs of customers, delivering consistently great product around the world.”

Sunnucks, who is currently president of Gap’s international division and has previously held senior roles at retailers including Marks & Spencer and New Look, is set to become global president with effect from November 5 and will be based in New York.

Senior product leader in the US and Canada Mark Breitbard’s role will be expanded to president of Gap North America and he will report into Sunnucks.

Sunnucks said: “Consumers can walk into a Gap store in more than 40 countries today or shop online in more than 70 countries. There is tremendous potential to make that experience more powerful by aligning ourselves as a global business.” 

Murphy added: “Steve is an accomplished fashion retailer who has significantly expanded our international presence. I’m confident he can build upon the success in North America, while also taking Gap to the next level.”

The company will also form a new innovation and digital strategy team to further build its online success. Art Peck, president of Gap North America, has been appointed president of the new innovation, digital strategy and new brands division. Toby Lenk, president of its online division, will leave Gap in February 2013 to go back to his “entreprenuerial roots”.

At Banana Republic, president for North America Jack Calhoun will become global president. The retailer’s top merchant, Julie Rosen, will take on additional responsibility for the brand’s North American performance, reporting to Calhoun.

At Old Navy Stefan Larsson, formerly of H&M, started earlier this month as global president. Jill Stanton, the former Nike executive who has served as a creative advisor to Old Navy this year, joins the brand full-time overseeing all aspects of product design, development and production, reporting to Larsson.