A proven leader driving growth and innovation
in the active apparel and wellness sector, Blakeslee
adds to Gap Inc.'s leadership bench
SAN
FRANCISCO, July 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Gap Inc.
(NYSE: GPS) today announced that it is appointing Chris Blakeslee as the new President and CEO of
Athleta, joining the company August
7. In this role, Blakeslee will drive strategic
growth for the portfolio's nearly $1.5
billion1 women's active and lifestyle brand, and
certified B Corporation, building on the foundation of Athleta's
product innovation and its mission to ignite a community of
active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other
to reach their true potential through the 'Power of She.'
Blakeslee brings broad expertise in the apparel
retail and wholesale industries, holding roles across marketing,
sales, product portfolio management, operations, and supply chain,
serving most recently as President of sister companies Alo Yoga and
Bella+Canvas since 2017. In that time, Alo Yoga grew to over
$1 billion in sales in 2022, nearly
doubling its year-over-year growth.
"A true brand champion, Chris is known for
driving results in high-growth businesses through the blend of
creativity and operational rigor," said Bob
Martin, Executive Chairman and Interim CEO, Gap Inc. "Chris
is a strong, decisive leader and proven business driver across
multiple industries, including active apparel and wellness – one of
the fastest and most aspirational retail sectors – making him well
suited to guide Athleta into long-term, sustainable growth rooted
in delivering high-quality performance product and a rich omni
shopping experience."
"I'm thrilled to join the Gap Inc. team and to
lead Athleta – a brand I've long admired. I see incredible runway
for the brand to capitalize 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. "There is something really captivating
about the 'Power of She' when it comes to engaging women and girls
in all aspects of life, and I can't wait to jump in with the teams
to harness this in a way that will further serve customers' wants
and needs."
Blakeslee joins a strong and dedicated Athleta
leadership team, including Chief Creative Officer, Julia Leach, who was appointed in May to clearly
and consistently articulate the brand voice and vision across all
its touch points.
About Chris
Blakeslee
Blakeslee most recently served as President
of sister companies Alo Yoga and Bella+Canvas. Under Blakeslee's
leadership, Alo Yoga focused on a fashion-forward approach to
wellness, building community and brand awareness with high-profile
influencers, as well as store and category expansion to drive
growth. At the same time, Blakeslee led the expansion of premium
apparel wholesaler Bella+Canvas into the retail space, offering
customers direct access to product both online and in stores.
Prior to this, Blakeslee held several senior
positions at Broder Brothers (now Alphabroder), a wholesale
distributor of branded products and services. He began his career
in industrial manufacturing and distribution. Blakeslee holds an
MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc., a collection of purpose-led lifestyle brands, is the
largest American specialty apparel company offering clothing,
accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and
children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic,
and Athleta brands. The company uses omni-channel
capabilities to bridge the digital world and physical stores to
further enhance its shopping experience. Gap Inc. is guided by its
purpose, Inclusive, by Design, and takes pride in creating products
and experiences its customers love while doing right by its
employees, communities, and planet. Gap Inc. products are available
for purchase worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise
stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2022 net sales were
$15.6 billion. For more information,
please visit www.gapinc.com.
CONTACT: Press@Gap.com
1. Gap Inc. (2023, March) 2022 Annual
Report. Retrieved from
https://s24.q4cdn.com/508879282/files/doc_financials/2022/ar/2022-GPS-Annual-Report-Final.pdf.
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SOURCE Gap Inc.