Gap Inc. appoints Maggie Gauger as Global Brand President & CEO of Athleta

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 30 July 2025

• Gap Inc. has revealed Athleta's new Global Brand president and CEO.
• Maggie Gauger will assume the new position, replacing Chris Blakeslee.
• Her appointment will be effective from August 1, 2025.

Gap Inc. recently made an announcement of appointing Maggie Gauger as company's Global Brand president and CEO of Athleta whose appointment will be effective from August 1, 2025.

Maggie will be taking Chris Blakeslee's place, as the latter is retiring from the job but will continue to work with the company on a temporary basis as an advisor with a view towards facilitating a transition.

Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson, said in a statement, “We are thrilled for Maggie Gauger to join as CEO of Athleta as we look to accelerate the brand's reinvigoration. Maggie blends proven business transformation capabilities, deep consumer centricity, product fluency, and a heartfelt commitment to empowering women and girls. This combination of skills and experiences will equip her to lead Athleta into its next chapter of growth - rooted in purpose, performance, and people.”

An experienced woman's active sport and fashion leader, Maggie comes to Athleta with over two decades of leadership at Nike most recently overseeing its North America Women's Business, where she was responsible for driving the business, brand love as well as customer affinity and acquisition across the large active and athleisure consumer base.

Expressing her excitement, Maggie stated, “I'm energized to bring my experience working at the intersection of sport, style and culture to Athleta - a brand with strong purpose and still so much untapped potential. Athleta has an unwavering mission focused on the power of women - not just as athletes, but as leaders, creators, and change-makers. And I can't wait to work with the incredible Athleta team to grow, to lead, and to inspire the next generation through the power of product and community.”

Her appointment is an important move in Gap Inc.'s effort to refresh its portfolio of iconic American brands.