Dive Brief:
- Gap, Inc. has appointed Sven Gerjets as its new chief technology officer, CEO Richard Dickson wrote in a message to employees that was shared with Retail Dive.
- In his new role, Gerjets will oversee the company’s digital improvements, data science and tech portfolio, the company said. Gerjets will report to Dickson.
- Gerjets comes to Gap from Mattel, where he served as CTO. He modernized the toy company’s DTC technology stack and launched connected consumer products and digital experiences. Gerjets also held various roles at companies, including AT&T Wireless, Time Warner, DirecTV, Pearson and Symantec.
Dive Insight:
Gap Inc. is bringing over another C-suite executive from Mattel. Dickson left the toy company as COO and became CEO of the apparel retailer last year. Dickson was credited with revamping the Barbie franchise and other brands.
In a letter to staffers, Dickson said the right tech can help operational efficiency, product creation and customer engagement. Dickson touted Gerjets’ commitment to cultural change and ability to build “highly inclusive teams.”
“We have just started the journey with data science, and I am confident that Sven’s expertise and leadership will put us on the right path to success,” Dickson said.
Gap Inc. has added and lost executives from its executive leadership team in recent months. Earlier this year, the company named fashion designer Zac Posen as its creative director and chief creative officer of Old Navy. In May, Banana Republic CEO Sandra Stangl exited the company. That same month, Gap named Fabiola Torres, formerly of PepsiCo, to be its global chief marketing officer.
The apparel company is in the midst of a transformation as Dickson works to streamline operations and brand storytelling. Gap Inc. reported a 3.4% year-over-year bump in Q1 net sales to $3.4 billion. For the quarter, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta each saw increases in net sales, while Gap was flat. Each of its subsidiary brands saw a rise in comps, which Wells Fargo said hadn’t occurred since 2017.
