Old Navy taps Gap’s supply chief as president

Gap Inc. has named a longtime member of its executive team to head up its Old Navy brand.

The retailer appointed Sonia Syngal as global president of Old Navy, effective immediately, as it looks to reenergize its value-driven brand. She succeeds Stefan Larsson, who left last year to become CEO of Ralph Lauren Corp.

Syngal, a 12-year Gap veteran, most recently served as executive VP of global supply chain and product operations for Gap Inc.

Prior to that, she led Old Navy’s international division along with Gap’s and Banana Republic’s European operations.

“Sonia is an inspiring leader with a proven track record leading transformation and driving product-to-market innovations,” said Art Peck, CEO, Gap Inc. “Following a comprehensive search, I’m confident Sonia is the right leader to enable Old Navy to realize its substantial, long-term growth potential.”

Before her time at Old Navy, Syngal led Gap and Banana Republic’s European business for nearly two years, and spent almost three years driving the international divisions for Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores. She also held various vice president-level roles across the company’s global sourcing organization for four years.

Jill Stanton, who served as interim leader for Old Navy, will serve as a strategic advisor to support a seamless transition as Syngal takes the helm.

Additionally, the company announced that two seasoned executives will oversee Gap Inc.’s global supply chain and logistics functions. Effective immediately, Michael Yee, will serve as executive VO, Global Supply Chain, Sourcing and Production, and Shawn Curran, as executive VP, Global Supply Chain Logistics and Product Operations. Both Yee and Curran will report to Peck and join the senior leadership team.

Last week, Gap reported that same-store sales fell 6% in March. By division, same-store sales at Gap stores fell 3%, and were down 14% at Banana Republic and 6% at Old Navy.