Zac Posen to Gap Inc. Creative Director as Business Seeks Refresh

Gap Inc. hopes designer Zac Posen can help breathe new life into the business and its largest brand Old Navy.

The San Francisco-based company said Monday it tapped Posen to serve as executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc., which owns Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta.

Gap Inc. also appointed Posen Old Navy chief creative officer.

“Gap Inc. and its brands have shaped American fashion and pop culture for decadees and there’s so much potential at Old Navy,” Posen said in a statement. “I’m eager to join Gap Inc. now as brand reinvigoration kicks up across the portfolio, rooted in great product, experiences and a new culture of creativity.” 

The 2004 CFDA award winner launched his business in 2001. His designs would later be seen on countless celebrities and red carpets in the years following that launch. Posen went on to serve as creative director at Brooks Brothers for the brand’s women’s collection and accessories in 2014. 

He will now oversee design, merchandising and marketing at Old Navy, the company said. At Gap Inc., the company said Posen will be a “creative partner” to President and CEO Richard Dickson. 

‘New Chapter’

Posen’s hiring is the third major hire for Gap Inc. so far this year as the business looks to round the corner on a turnaround of its brands. 

Last month Eric Chan joined as chief business and strategy officer and Amy Thompson was named chief people officer at Gap Inc. 

Dickson said in a statement he’s “thrilled” to add Posen to the executive leadership team during the “onset of an exciting new chapter” for the company. 

Gap Inc., in its most recently reported quarterly earnings, said net sales fell 7 percent to $3.8 billion for the three months through Oct. 28. Same store sales were off 2 percent, with sales falling in both the physical and online sales channels. The company had net income of $218 million for that same October period. 

By brand, Old Navy sales for the October quarter fell 1 percent to $2.1 billion. 

Gap net sales declined 15 percent to $887 million; Banana Republic sales were off 11 percent to $460 million; and Athleta sales sank 18 percent to $279 million.