Gap plugs leadership holes with new CEO, head of Athleta
By Sean Cao
US-based apparel company Gap Inc has tapped experienced turnaround agent Richard Dickson as its new president and CEO, effective August 22.
Dickson’s most recent role was president and COO of toy manufacturer Mattel where – among other achievements – he led a revival of the Barbie brand. He was appointed to Gap’s board of directors in November 2022.
Prior to Mattel, Dickson was president and CEO of branded businesses for The Jones Group.
“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,” said Dickson.
“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,” said Bobby Martin, who has been the company’s interim CEO.
Martin will remain chair of the board and ensure a smooth transition.
Additionally, Gap appointed Chris Blakeslee as president and CEO of its women’s activewear brand Athleta, effective August 7.
Blakeslee has broad experience in the apparel retail and wholesale industries, having served as president of sister companies Alo Yoga and Bella+Canvas since 2017 and held senior positions at Alphabroder.
He will join a strong and dedicated Athleta leadership team, including chief creative officer, Julia Leach, who was appointed in May.
“I see incredible runway for the brand to capitalise on its unique, purpose-led positioning and performance product innovation, leveraging its assets across marketing, stores, product and community to deliver consistent growth,” said Blakeslee.
Valentino names new executives as it eyes online expansion
By Tong Van
Italian luxury house Valentino has appointed three new executives as part of its strategy to expand its focus on online and marketplaces.
The appointments follow the departure of the company’s chief brand officer Alessio Vannetti, who has served at Valentino since March 2020. His responsibilities will be assigned to the new functions of marketing and e-commerce and omnichannel.
Laurent Bergamo, joining the group in 2018 as GM of the Middle East, will take on the role of chief commercial officer, overseeing the commercial strategy of all Valentino’s markets and the brand’s global outlet business and retail performance & operation organisation. Bergamo was CEO of Valentino America before being appointed as chief commercial officer of the Americas, Brazil, Europe and the Middle East.
Andrea Cappi will lead Valentino’s newly established business unit for e-commerce and omnichannel as chief e-commerce officer and omnichannel officer. Cappi will start his role in September.
Meanwhile, Yigit Turhan will take on the responsibility of chief marketing officer at Valentino. Before joining the company in 2018, Turhan held several key roles at fashion houses, including Ermenegildo Zegna and Gucci.
Bergamo, Cappi and Turhan will all report directly to the group’s CEO Jacopo Venturini.
Superdry appoints new chief operating officer
By Dean Blake
Fashion firm Superdry has promoted global sourcing and sustainability director Shaun Packe to chief operating officer.
Packe initially joined the retailer in 2011, and has previously held the titles of head of sourcing and quality and sourcing director.
“Shaun and I have worked together for 12 years and he’s a fantastic asset to this company,” said Superdry CEO Julian Dunkerton.
“He has a proven track record as a leader, his new title recognises his increased responsibility and the instrumental part that he plays in our business. I’m delighted that I’m going to be working even more closely with him in the future.”
GameStop CFO to quit in second top executive exit in two months
By Akash Sriram of Reuters
GameStop said its finance chief Diana Saadeh-Jajeh will resign on August 11, marking the second high-profile exit in two months and sending the shares of the video game retailer down nearly 2 per cent in extended trading.
The company’s board had in June ousted its fifth CEO in five years, leading some analysts to question whether billionaire investor Ryan Cohen, who is now executive chairman, can turn around GameStop.
The retailer, known for its bricks-and-mortar stores, has struggled to deliver on Cohen’s vision to make the company a leading e-commerce firm for video games and related merchandise.
