Sephora exec takes top role at Athleta
There is a new boss at Athleta.
Gap Inc. named Mary Beth Laughton as president and CEO of Athleta. Laughton, who will start in late October, will serve on Gap’s senior leadership team reporting to president and CEO Art Peck.
Laughton is a 20 year retail and digital executive. Most recently, she was executive VP of omni retail for Sephora U.S., leading both the e-commerce and stores channels. She has overseen areas including digital marketing and merchandising, store operations and field, CRM/analytics, omnichannel experience and digital innovation. During her tenure, Laughton increased Sephora’s online business five times and improved store performance through a focus on innovative customer experiences coupled with operational rigor, Gap said.
Prior to joining Sephora in 2012, Laughton spent nine years at Nike in a variety of roles, including general manager of e-commerce for Europe and the director of e-commerce for Nike subsidiaries, including Cole Haan, Converse and Hurley. She has been a board member of REI since 2017
“Mary Beth brings a strong background in digital operations, a keen understanding of customers and an ability to deliver innovative experiences,” said Peck. “She is the right leader for Athleta, with a proven track record in driving consistent results in multiple growth markets, including performance apparel and beauty.”
Athleta currently operates 170 stores nationwide.
Gap Inc. named Mary Beth Laughton as president and CEO of Athleta. Laughton, who will start in late October, will serve on Gap’s senior leadership team reporting to president and CEO Art Peck.
Laughton is a 20 year retail and digital executive. Most recently, she was executive VP of omni retail for Sephora U.S., leading both the e-commerce and stores channels. She has overseen areas including digital marketing and merchandising, store operations and field, CRM/analytics, omnichannel experience and digital innovation. During her tenure, Laughton increased Sephora’s online business five times and improved store performance through a focus on innovative customer experiences coupled with operational rigor, Gap said.
Prior to joining Sephora in 2012, Laughton spent nine years at Nike in a variety of roles, including general manager of e-commerce for Europe and the director of e-commerce for Nike subsidiaries, including Cole Haan, Converse and Hurley. She has been a board member of REI since 2017
“Mary Beth brings a strong background in digital operations, a keen understanding of customers and an ability to deliver innovative experiences,” said Peck. “She is the right leader for Athleta, with a proven track record in driving consistent results in multiple growth markets, including performance apparel and beauty.”
Athleta currently operates 170 stores nationwide.