Gap Inc. CEO to be honored for ‘transformative’ career at annual gala
Richard Dickson, the president and CEO of Gap Inc., is set to be celebrated at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Annual Gala on April 14.
Held at the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, the evening will celebrate Dickson’s “transformative” career, from revitalizing global icons at Mattel to ushering in a new era of American style at Gap Inc.
This year’s gala theme, Threads of Impact, underscores the shared vision of FIT and Gap Inc. and recognizes Dickson’s legacy of brand reinvigoration, from Mattel to Gap, highlighting his career-long dedication to treating creativity as both a cultural force and a business imperative.
Dickson, who was appointed president and CEO of Gap Inc. in July 2023, has led a strong turnaround at the apparel retailer. Before stepping into this role, he was the president and COO of Mattel, where he was a lead architect in a global corporate transformation that reinvigorated Mattel’s storied brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price, re-enforcing Mattel as a key industry leader and cultural cornerstone.
In addition, Dickson also served as executive producer of the "Barbie" movie. While at Mattel, Dickson was appointed to the Gap Inc. board in November 2022.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Richard Dickson at FIT’s Annual Gala, in recognition of his remarkable achievements and leadership,” said FIT president Jason S. Schupbach. “Richard’s commitment to empowering the next generation reflects the heart of our mission — and inspires the entire FIT community. We are grateful for his generous support, as his work affirms what FIT has always shown: that when industry and education work as one, they are the catalyst for real-world change that shifts our culture.”
The FIT Annual Gala, attended by distinguished guests and alumni from the fashion and creative industries, benefits the FIT Foundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of FIT students
“Gap Inc. is a house of iconic American brands guided by our purpose — to bridge gaps to create a better world,” said Dickson. “That includes bridging the opportunity gap. FIT embodies that same spirit, bringing education and industry together to unlock talent and expand what’s possible. We’re committed to opening doors, investing in emerging creatives, and building meaningful pathways into this industry for the next generation.”
