The Old Navy is transitioning to a new leadership, as Gap appointed Sonia Syngal as head of the flagship brand. The announcement was made on April 13, six months after Stefan Larsson's exit.
Syngal is a 12-year Gap veteran who has held past executive positions and was in charge of the company's international supply chain and product operations before assuming her new post.
She served as head of the division's international operations until 2013, and also oversaw the European operations of Gap's Banana Republic.
Old Navy is Gap's leading brand, having accounted for 42 percent of the fashion retailer's sales in 2015. It is the only Gap brand that posted a sales increase from the previous year, besting its sister brands Gap, Banana Republic, Intermix and Athleta.
However, Old Navy's momentum has faltered lately, with sales increasing at a modest 1 percent this year compared to the past year's 6 percent. Sales for the first three months of 2016 also tumbled by 6 percent.
Bridging The Gap
Turning around Old Navy's momentum is a tall order for Syngal, but somebody has to bridge the gap as Gap struggles to get up and reclaim the glory that was Old Navy's. After thoroughly searching internally and externally, Gap said Syngal was the best choice.
"Sonia is an inspiring leader with a proven track record leading transformation and driving product-to-market innovations," said Gap's CEO Art Peck.
Executive Movements
Jill Stanton, who had headed the brand on an interim basis after Larsson left, will stay and serve as a strategic adviser during the Syngal transition, the company announced.
Meanwhile, the retailer designated Michael Yee to manage global supply chain, sourcing and production in the capacity of executive vice president, the position vacated by Syngal. Shawn Curran will assume the role of executive vice president for global supply chain logistics and production operations.
Syngal, Yee and Curran will report directly to Peck.
Stefan Larsson is widely known for building Old Navy's fortune through adopting a sales strategy that allowed the brand to respond more quickly to sales trends. His departure from Old Navy in September 2015 to assume the reins at Ralph Lauren Corp. as CEO has created a vacuum that observers believe may have contributed to the brand's sluggish performance.
Will Syngal be able to replicate Larsson's achievement?
