Moving Up at Gap

Gap Inc. (San Francisco) has promoted Tom Sands to executive vp, Old Navy stores and operations, and named Brian Lynch senior vp, stores and operations for Gap Inc. Outlet.

Sands, who joined Old Navy in October 2002 from Target Corp., will expand his position as senior vp, Old Navy Stores, to oversee stores and operations in the Northeast and Southeast, as well as the Western and Central regions.

“Since joining Gap Inc., Tom has introduced new ideas to us about stores and operations,” says Old Navy president Jenny Ming. “As we continue to strengthen our position as a value player, his experience and leadership will help maintain momentum for the Old Navy brand.”

In his new position, Lynch will oversee all Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store and Old Navy Outlet stores and operations and be responsible for the division's marketing and visual teams. Lynch, who joined the company in 2000 from Learningsmith Inc., where he was vp and coo, succeeds Steve Stickel, who joined the Banana Republic division as senior vp of stores in February.

Recently, the specialty retailer reported net sales of $1.2 billion for the four-week period ended May 3, 2003, a 22 percent increase from last year. Same-store sales for April 2003 increased 20 percent. The Gap U.S. division reported its comparable sales increased 23 percent, while Old Navy reported a 20 percent increase over last year.

“We're pleased with our April comparable store sales and overall merchandise margin improvement,” said Sabrina Simmons, senior vp, treasury and investor relations. “Our performance for April shows continued turnaround momentum in our business, particularly at Gap and Old Navy, with customers responding favorably to our summer product and marketing.”