Gap Inc. hired Michael Francis, formerly at Target and Penney, as chief customer officer, Old Navy, and head of marketing shared services, Gap Inc.
Francis is best known for his 26 years, rising through the ranks to serve as EVP and chief marketing officer. He left Target in 2011 to briefly serve as president of JCPenney and has also served as chief global brand officer at DreamWorks Animation, consultant and interim chief marketing officer at Walmart, operating partner at RedBird Capital Partners, and founder and CEO of Farview Associates, LLC, a global brand agency.
In his new role, Francis will lead Old Navy’s end-to-end customer strategy, with responsibility for strengthening brand storytelling, deepening customer engagement, and evolving the customer experience across touchpoints. As head of marketing shared services, Francis will also oversee media strategy and execution for Gap Inc. and help drive greater integration and effectiveness across the company’s portfolio of brands.
Francis, who recently served as an advisor to Old Navy, will report to Haio Barbeito, president and CEO of Old Navy. He will work closely with leaders across Old Navy and Gap Inc. to align brand, marketing and customer experience strategies in support of the company’s next phase of growth.
“Old Navy is a beloved brand with real momentum, and Michael knows how to translate customer insight into relevance, resonance and growth,” said Barbeito. “He brings a rare combination of strategic vision, creative instinct and commercial rigor. As we continue to evolve the brand, Michael will help sharpen how we show up for customers and strengthen every connection they have with Old Navy.”
“Michael is one of the most respected brand builders in retail,” said Richard Dickson, president and CEO of Gap Inc. “With deep experience spanning retail, brand, and entertainment, he has a proven ability to connect creativity, culture, and commerce in ways that energize the business, attract customers, and build stronger brands with lasting loyalty. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening Old Navy, advancing more integrated marketing capabilities across Gap Inc., and bringing to life a compelling vision rooted in meaningful storytelling.”
“I’m honored to join Old Navy at such an exciting moment for the brand,” said Francis. “Old Navy has a powerful connection with customers and enormous opportunity ahead. I’m excited to partner with Haio and the team to build on that momentum, elevate the customer experience, and tell stories that are distinctive, modern and unmistakably Old Navy.”
Images courtesy Gap Inc.
