Gap Inc.
January 28, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (January 28th, 2009) – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced today that Mark Breitbard will return to the company as Chief Merchandising and Creative Officer - leading design and merchandising functions for Old Navy. Breitbard, 40, will guide product strategy for the brand from design conception to product assortment through to its final presentation in stores. He will report directly to Tom Wyatt, President of Old Navy.
“Mark is an amazingly talented retailer —and we’re thrilled he’s joining us to infuse an even higher level of creative spirit to the Old Navy brand,” said Tom Wyatt, President of Old Navy. “Both within Gap Inc. and at other top specialty apparel retailers, he has achieved success creating clothes for each member of our target customer’s family.
“He knows the Old Navy brand and understands what it takes to make it successful. Mark’s strong business capabilities and leadership skills make us confident he can inspire our talented creative teams by working alongside them to deliver phenomenal product at unbeatable value.”
Breitbard joins Old Navy from Levi Strauss & Co, where he was President of the retail division since 2007. He was responsible for all aspects of Levi’s retail division, including design, merchandising, marketing, stores and ecommerce. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager at Abercrombie and Fitch, where he had responsibility for all aspects of launching its RUEHL brand, from design concept through store presentation.
For eight-years, from 1997 to 2005, Breitbard held key merchandising roles within each of Gap Inc.’s brands. During this time, he quickly rose through the ranks – through a variety of merchandising roles at Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic -- ultimately serving as a senior vice president. Some of his key product area responsibilities during his tenure at Gap Inc. included Old Navy men’s denim, Banana Republic’s suiting business and being part of the team that launched the Gap body.
“I couldn’t be more energized than to join Old Navy at this crucial time,” said Breitbard. “I am passionate about great apparel brands and want to be part of the team that invigorates Old Navy.”
Breitbard has a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College and an MBA from U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal year 2007 sales were $15.8 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.
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