Lululemon Appoints Athleta CEO Maggie Gauger as Chief Product Officer

Lululemon announced Wednesday that Maggie Gauger, the former chief executive of Athleta, has joined the company as president and chief product officer. Gauger will assume the newly created role later this month. This hiring represents the latest executive movement in an increasingly competitive athleisure market, particularly notable since Gauger joined Athleta from Nike just last year.

Alongside Gauger’s appointment, Lululemon named Joseph Godsey as chief operating officer. The company also confirmed that two other senior executives, Nikki Neuburger, chief brand and product activation officer, and Ted Dagnese, chief supply chain officer, will depart in November to pursue other opportunities.

Heidi O’Neill, Lululemon’s chief executive, emphasized the strategic intent behind the leadership changes. In a statement, she noted that the company is building a highly experienced team designed to operate with greater coordination. “That starts with putting product, design, and innovation at the center of how we operate,” O’Neill said, adding that the focus is on creating a stronger pipeline of differentiated products to enhance the guest experience both online and in stores.

Gap, Athleta’s parent company, confirmed Gauger’s departure in a statement provided to CNBC. The retailer indicated that Erika Everett, Athleta’s current chief marketing officer, will oversee the brand’s CEO duties on an interim basis. Gap stated that the transition allows the company to accelerate its efforts to position Athleta for long-term growth and strengthen customer connections.

Lululemon revealed it is also actively recruiting for the roles of chief brand officer, chief communications officer, and chief technology officer. O’Neill took over as CEO last month following more than a year of lackluster sales performance and a proxy battle that drew criticism from founder Chip Wilson.