Omnichannel

Gap CEO Sonia Syngal stepping down

Photo by istock.com

July 12, 2022

Gap Inc. CEO and President Sonia Syngal is leaving her role and Bob Martin, the retailer's executive chairman, will serve as interim chief during the search for a permanent CEO.

Syngal is also leaving her board role after a short transition, according to a press release. She had been in the Gap CEO role for two and half years. Prior to her Gap role she served as CEO of Old Navy, a brand that is part of the Gap portfolio.

In addition, the retailer announced Horacio Barbeito has been named president and CEO of Old Navy. As Retail Customer Experience reported in April Syngal was also tapped to run Old Navy when Nancy Green, Old Navy's CEO and president at that time, stepped away from the job.

"Leading this great company and our 100,000-strong employees since 2020 through unprecedented challenges for our industry and society has been an immense honor. Through it all, Gap Inc. and its dedicated teams have seized change as an opportunity, restructured for future growth, crystallized unique brand identities rooted in cultural relevance and fiercely chased transformation," Syngal said in the press release. "With an exceptional and industry-leading CEO for Old Navy now appointed, I am thankful to have the board's support in stepping down, ushering in a new opportunity for fresh perspective and rejuvenated leadership to carry Gap Inc. forward."

Syngal had been with Gap for 18 years.

Martin is a 40-year industry veteran with retail experience at brands including Dillard's Inc. and Walmart where he served as CEO of its international division.

Barbeito will join Old Navy on Aug. 1. He most recently served as president and CEO of Walmart Canada and was with Walmart in various leadership roles over 26 years, including president and CEO of Walmart Argentina and Chile.

"Haio is a true multi-disciplined retail leader who shares our vision of bringing the democracy of style and service to millions of Old Navy customers, leveraging our greatest assets — our people and our product. We are thrilled for Haio to bring his authentic leadership style to the team, backed by a strong track record of delivering growth through challenging times at complex global organizations," Martin said in the release. "Particularly in this environment, Haio's sincere customer empathy, operational excellence and passion for product and marketing innovation will fuel Old Navy's competitive strengths on its path to $10 billion, rooted in fun, family, fashion and value."