Marketing veteran promoted as next Old Navy CEO
One of Gap Inc.’s largest banners will soon undergo a leadership transition.
Michael Francis has been named as the next president and CEO of Old Navy, effective Nov. 2, 2026. Francis will succeed Haio Barbeito, who will transition from his operating role into an advisory capacity.
Francis joined Gap Inc. in March 2026 as chief customer officer and head of marketing shared services at Old Navy. His previous experience spans over four decades of commercial, marketing and business transformation leadership, including a 10-year stint at Walmart as a strategic advisory to its C-suite, and more than 26 years at Target, where he served as chief marketing market for over a decade. From 2012 to 2015, Francis was the chief global brand officer at DreamWorks Animation.
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"Old Navy is poised for its next chapter of growth, and Michael is uniquely equipped to step into this operating role," said Richard Dickson, president and CEO of Gap Inc. "Michael is one of the most respected commercial, brand and customer leaders in retail. His experience building iconic brands, cultivating customer connections, and driving transformation at scale will help Old Navy strengthen its relevance, accelerate growth and deliver even greater value for customers."
In his new role, Gap Inc. said that Francis will focus on strengthening the brand's storytelling across commercial and marketing channels, enhancing the omnichannel customer experience, elevating in-store experiences and deepening Old Navy's connection with its audience.
"Old Navy is an iconic American brand with a unique place in the lives of millions of customers," said Francis. "I am honored to lead this incredible team and excited by the opportunities ahead. Together, we will continue to sharpen our customer focus, strengthen the brand's cultural relevance, enhance the customer experience across every touchpoint, and build on the momentum already underway."
Barbeito has served as the president and CEO of Old Navy since 2022. He joined Gap Inc. from Walmart, where he held several leadership roles over a 27-year period, including president and CEO of Walmart Canada.
"I want to thank Haio for his leadership in strengthening Old Navy's foundation, scaling our strategic categories and positioning the business for its next phase of growth,” said Dickson. “Since the beginning of our transformation, Old Navy has grown its annual revenue by nearly half a billion dollars, further reinforcing its position as the #1 specialty apparel brand and retailer in the U.S.”
Old Navy operates more than 1,200 stores across the United States and Canada.
Founded in 1969, Gap Inc.’s other brands include Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta.
