Lululemon CEO Heidi O’Neill names new CPO and COO as part of C-suite overhaul
About a month after joining Lululemon, CEO Heidi O’Neill appointed former Athleta CEO Maggie Gauger as chief product officer and ex‑Walmart Canada growth chief Joseph Godsey as chief operating officer, with the new roles set to start Oct. 26. Simultaneously, Lululemon said chief supply chain officer Ted Dagnese and chief brand and product activation officer Nikki Neuburger will depart effective Nov. 6, while the company searches to fill three additional C‑suite posts — chief brand officer, chief communications officer, and chief technology officer.
The product and operations roles are newly created positions within Lululemon’s executive team. O’Neill said the reshaped leadership will work more cohesively around strategy and execution to deliver greater impact for guests, communities, and the business. She emphasized putting product, design, and innovation at the center of operations to build a stronger pipeline of differentiated offerings for both stores and online channels. The appointments were announced roughly one month after O’Neill assumed the CEO role, marking her first executive reshuffle. Lululemon said it is actively seeking candidates for chief brand officer, chief communications officer, and chief technology officer to complete the leadership team.
“Lululemon is a rare, extraordinary brand, but we have work to do to build a stronger and more competitive company,” Heidi O’Neill said.
“We are establishing a deeply experienced leadership team that will work in a more coordinated manner, aligned around the strategy and execution that delivers the most impact for our guests, our communities, and our business,” Heidi O’Neill said.
O’Neill began her tenure as Lululemon’s CEO in April, and industry watchers had been anticipating her initial leadership decisions. The announcement was described as the first step in addressing the company’s recent performance challenges.
What we know
Athleta CEO Maggie Gauger is joining Lululemon as chief product officer, while Walmart Canada Chief Growth Officer Joseph Godsey is taking on the role of chief operating officer.
Both are newly created positions for Lululemon and will take effect Oct. 26.
Chief Supply Chain Officer Ted Dagnese and Chief Brand and Product Activation Officer Nikki Neuburger are leaving, effective Nov. 6.
Lululemon is searching to fill three other C-suite roles: chief brand officer, chief communications officer, and chief technology officer.