Head of the Bunch

Gap Inc. (San Francisco) has promoted senior merchandising executive Marka Hansen to president of the company's Banana Republic division.

Hansen has been with Gap Inc. for more than 15 years, in both domestic and international operating roles at the company's Gap and Banana Republic divisions. Most recently she was executive vp, adult merchandising, for the Gap brand.

“Marka is an exceptional leader and merchant,” said Gap president and ceo Paul Pressler. “She understands our customers and knows how to consistently deliver the right products to meet their needs. At Banana Republic, [her] leadership will help us continue to evolve and strengthen the brand as a premier destination for designer-quality merchandise at affordable prices.”

Hansen joined Gap Inc. in 1987, spending six years in merchandising roles at Banana Republic before moving to Gap International. As senior vp, merchandising, for Gap International, she helped expand the brand in Europe and Japan. In May 2000, she was named head of human resources for the company. She became head of Gap adult merchandising in March 2002.

As Banana Republic's president, Ms. Hansen will oversee more than 440 stores in the United States and Canada. Banana Republic's net sales for fiscal 2002 were $1.9 billion. Ms. Hansen will report to Pressler and be a member of the company's executive leadership team.

The company said there currently are no plans to fill Hansen's old role at Gap. Tracy Gardner, senior vp, Gap adult merchandising, will now report to Gap division president Gary Muto.