Lululemon has appointed Athleta chief executive Maggie Gauger as its president and chief product officer, in a newly created role that will take effect later this month.
Gauger joined Athleta from Nike last year. Her move is the latest senior leadership change at a time of increasing competition in the athleisure sector.
Lululemon also named Joseph Godsey as chief operating officer. Nikki Neuburger, its chief brand and product activation officer, and Ted Dagnese, its chief supply chain officer, will leave in November to “pursue other opportunities”.
Heidi O’Neill, Lululemon’s chief executive, said the company was creating “a deeply experienced leadership team” focused on closer coordination between product, design and innovation.
“That starts with putting product, design, and innovation at the center of how we operate, with the focus and accountability to create a stronger pipeline of differentiated product to raise the bar for our guests across every touchpoint, in stores and online,” she said.
Gap, which owns Athleta, confirmed that Gauger had left the brand. Erika Everett, Athleta’s chief marketing officer, will oversee the chief executive role on an interim basis.
Gap said the transition would help it accelerate work on Athleta’s next stage and strengthen its connection with customers. Lululemon is also seeking a chief brand officer, chief communications officer and chief technology officer.
O’Neill took over as Lululemon’s chief executive last month after more than a year of disappointing sales performance, during which the company was involved in a proxy battle and faced criticism from founder Chip Wilson.
