Gap Inc. (San Francisco) has announced that Gary Muto, a 19-year company veteran who has headed three divisions, most recently as president of Forth & Towne, will become president of Gap Adult and gapbody, effective immediately.
Gap announced in February that Forth & Towne would cease operations in June.
Muto will be responsible for all aspects of the two businesses in North America, reporting directly to Marka Hansen, president, Gap North America. Tom Wyatt, formerly president of gapbody, will become the president of Gap Inc. Outlet.
“Gary is a proven merchant, and has held a variety of leadership roles during his 19 years with the company,” said Gap chairman and interim ceo Robert Fisher. “Marka and Gary are a dynamic team with a strong history with Gap brand. They'll help us make the changes necessary for the long term.”
“We're fortunate and excited to have Gary back with Gap brand,” said Hansen. “Gary is an exceptional merchant and experienced leader having contributed enormously to the success of the company and many of its people over the years. We look forward to drawing on his deep merchandising experience and expertise during this important time for Gap brand.”
Muto began his career with the company in 1988 as a merchandise manager for the Gap brand. He progressed through merchandising positions of increasing responsibility within the Gap and Banana Republic brands, becoming president of Banana Republic in 2001 and president of Gap brand in 2002. He was then asked to launch the company's test of the Forth & Towne concept.