Gap Inc. taps retail veteran as CEO of Banana Republic
A seasoned retail fashion veteran is filling a position at Banana Republic that’s been vacant for two years.
Donald Kohler has been named global brand president and CEO of Gap Inc.’s Banana Republic division, effective in July. The role has been vacant since Sandra Stangl left the company in May 2024.
Kohler joins Banana Republic as it seems to be regaining its footing and reversing a long sales slump. For its fourth quarter, sales rose 1% to $549 million, and comparable sales increased 4% in the brand’s third consecutive quarter of comp sales growth.
Most recently, Kohler was with PVH Corp., where he served as CEO of PVH Americas, overseeing Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and the company's regional retail, e-commerce, wholesale, and licensing businesses. Prior to PVH Corp., Kohler held senior leadership roles at Burberry, Ferragamo and Diesel.
Early in his career, Kohler spent more than a decade at Gap Inc. in merchandising leadership roles across Gap, GapKids and babyGap.
“Donald is a product-driven leader with deep global expertise and an extraordinary track record of revitalizing brands to new relevance with clarity, discipline, and storytelling that connects with customers to drive growth," said Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson.
In his statement, Dickson noted that Kohler began his career in product at Gap Brand, “where he developed his instincts for great design, impactful merchandising, and powerful storytelling.”
“Just as importantly, he is deeply respected as a people leader who builds trust and develops high-performing teams,” Dickson continued. “That rare combination of operational excellence and brand building positions him well to lead Banana Republic's next chapter — building on the brand's momentum and reinvigoration as a modern explorer brand."
In a statement, Kohler said that returning to Gap Inc. "is deeply meaningful for me."
"Banana Republic has extraordinary heritage and a powerful opportunity to inspire today's consumer through elevated product, immersive storytelling, and a cohesive customer journey," he said. "I believe great brands are built by great teams, and I look forward to getting to know the Banana Republic team and building what's next together."
“Kohler will guide Banana Republic as the brand continues to build momentum and elevate its position as a modern explorer lifestyle brand rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and discovery," the company stated. “As Kohler steps into the role, Banana Republic will continue strengthening its product architecture, deepening brand storytelling, elevating the in-store and digital experience, and driving disciplined execution across all channels globally."
