Gap Inc. announced that Art Peck, the president of its Growth, Innovation and Digital division who has guided Athleta and Piperlime,, has been selected by the board of directors to succeed Glenn Murphy as the companys next chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, 2015. Murphy and Peck have worked side-by-side for the better part of a decade as Gap Inc. dramatically improved its financial performance while expanding globally.

Following seven successful years in his role, Murphy made the personal decision to retire from the company at the end of the fiscal year, allowing for a smooth and seamless leadership transition. Since the end of 2007, Gap Inc. has delivered exceptional financial results, with an impressive six-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) on earnings per share of 17 percent and a total shareholder return of more than 160 percent. Under Murphys stewardship, the company acquired new brands and globalized its business by expanding store locations from about 10 to 50 countries, including China.

Today, Gap Inc. is a formidable global fashion retailer with a strong foundation in place for long-term growth, therefore making this an appropriate inflection point for me to pass the baton to a leader who will take our portfolio of brands to even greater heights, Murphy said. With consumer expectations rapidly evolving, Art is the right leader at the right time to build on our success and ensure a compelling experience for our customers across both our physical and digital channels.

Peck has delivered significant results for Gap Inc. in a variety of brand, strategy and operational roles since joining the company in 2005. He is currently responsible for creating the companys omni-channel and digital strategies, and guiding the emerging Athleta, Intermix and Piperlime brands.

The companys commitment to a robust succession process enabled the Board to evaluate, over time, many impressive internal and external candidates. The Board unanimously agreed that Peck is the ideal leader for the role.

We are pleased to have an internal leader with Arts proven track record and management capabilities to chart the path for the company to further compete, win and grow, said Bobby Martin, lead independent director for Gap Inc.s Board of Directors. Art has created substantial value for the company over the past decade, and the Board is confident he will further increase long-term returns for our shareholders. The Murphy era at Gap Inc. will be long remembered for successful global expansion, strategic investments in key growth areas, and the consistent shareholder returns that our management team delivered.

Among his various roles within the company, Peck led the North American division for Gap brand in 2011 and 2012, overseeing the product resurgence that successfully improved its business results. Previously, as head of the outlet business for Gap and Banana Republic, Peck grew earnings and sales for the divisions and opened outlet stores globally. In his first few years with the company, he led the development of the global strategy that continues to guide the company, and established and launched its first franchise markets.

Im honored to be given the opportunity to lead this company with such powerful brands and incredible talent-a combination that sets us apart globally, Peck said. Our success will be based upon presenting brand-right, emotional product to our customers, both in stores and online. Building upon the foundation Glenn has established, we will be focused on continuing to execute our strategy to drive long-term shareholder value.

In his leadership roles, Peck is known for managing and developing people, including many of the creative, store and operational leaders across the company. Prior to joining Gap Inc., he spent more than 20 years at The Boston Consulting Group where he rose to senior partner, with a focus on consumer technology, media and entertainment, consumer products, and retail.

As part of the transition, Bob Fisher, who has a 35-year history with the company founded by his parents, will become non-executive Chairman of the Board, and Peck will join the Board, effective February 1, 2015.

Art Peck is an inspiring leader who thinks big, brings out the best in people, and understands how retail is changing today, commented Fisher. We owe a debt of gratitude to Glenn for his leadership, vision and selfless devotion to the company, and hes created the path forward for the smooth and seamless transition our shareholders and employees deserve.