Gap nabs former Mattel president and COO as new CEO

Gap Inc has appointed Richard Dickson (pictured) as the company’s president and chief executive officer, effective 22 August 2023, as Dickson departs from Mattel after a 20-year career at the toy giant. Dickson was appointed to the Gap Inc. board of directors in November of 2022

In his new role, Dickson will be in charge of leading Gap Inc’s global apparel retail portfolio that includes Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta. Interim CEO at Gap Inc., Bobby Martin will remain chair of the board to ensure a smooth transition, according to a statement by the brand.

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“Amidst a deliberate and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Richard is destined for this role at this moment. His experience as a proven transformational brand builder and belief in the power of inclusivity, make him a perfect fit for Gap Inc,” said Martin.

Before joining Gap Inc, Dickson first joined Mattel in 2000 as general manager and senior vice president of Barbie before being promoted to president and COO of Mattel in 2014, a role that saw him lead a portfolio of global brands, oversee innovation strategy and brand marketing to name a few. Under his leadership, Mattel also launched the Mattel Playbook, a brand-building approach that aims to accelerate its transformation.

Prior to his role at Mattel, Dickson was president and CEO of branded businesses for The Jones Group and co-founded online cosmetic retailer Gloss.com.

“The decision to leave Mattel wasn’t easy. It’s a company and a community I’ve loved across two chapters and 20 years of my career," said Dickson in a LinkedIn post as seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

“But it’s also enormously gratifying to move on knowing that brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, to name a few, are thriving,” he continued.

When discussing his appointment at Gap Inc., Dickson said he is most excited to work together with the teams to bring the brand into a new era.

“Richard has invaluable expertise in areas critical to the work Gap Inc. is doing to strengthen the company for the long term. And we are thrilled to have his visionary leadership as the company redefines the future potential of Gap Inc. and its renowned American fashion brands,” said lead independent director, Mayo A. Shattuck III.

Dickson's appointment comes after Gap and Mattel launched a new apparel collaboration with the first of many upcoming 'Gab x Mattel' product drops being the 'Gap x Barbie' collection.

According to the statement, the 'Gap x Barbie' collection celebrates the spirit of inclusivity and individuality.

Aside from the Barbie collection, there will be additional 'Gap x Mattel' collaborations and they will be unveiled later this year, including apparel based on Hot Wheels. The collaboration is inspired by Mattel’s portfolio of brands and Gap’s signature icons that have dressed generations since 1969. 

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