Richard Dickson Is New CEO AT GAP

At last! Richard Dickson has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gap
GPS
Inc. That means he will be in charge of the whole portfolio of companies including Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta. He will take charge on August 22, 2023.

Dickson, 55, has been President and Chief Operating Officer of Mattel
MAT
where he was the lead architect in a global transformation. He invigorated Mattel ‘s brands including Barbie (who is now at Bloomingdale’s) Hot Wheels and Fisher Price. He restored corporate growth and reaffirmed Mattel as an industry leader. Dickson was also appointed to the Gap board in November 2022 and knows the company well.

Prior to Mattel Dickson was President and CEO of Branded Business for the Jones Group, where he led global design and development, including marketing and merchandising. He brought new relevance to dated fashion labels and acquired new brands. He also founded Gloss.com, the first on-line retailers dedicated to high-end on-line cosmetics and he was an executive at Bloomingdale’s.

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 excited me most the chance to work hand-in-hand with the team to evolve Gap Inc. for a new era.” Dickson continued,” Under Bobby’s (Martin) 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.”

Interim CEO Bobby Martin, who held that title for more than a year will remain on the Board of Directors as Chairman, to insure a smooth transition. He said “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 (Dickson) is destined for his role at this moment. His experience as a proven transformational brand builder and belief in the proven power of inclusivity make him a perfect fit for the Gap Inc.”

POSTSCRIPT: It is a pleasure to welcome Richard Dickson to The Gap Inc. He is visionary and a proven transformational leader. He will help make the Gap a fashion leader again. During his board membership he saw that the Gap tried too often to look back, with merchandise that was yesteryear. He now has the opportunity to look ahead, attract new shoppers and become a leader in the retail industry.