Canadian activewear retailer Lululemon announced it has appointed Calvin McDonald as its new chief executive officer effective August 20.
McDonald, who is joining Lululemon from Sephora where he served as chief executive and president in the retailer’s Americas division, replaces Laurent Potdevin, who was asked to resign earlier this year amid unspecified misconduct allegations.
McDonald, who also served as president and CEO of Sears Canada for two years, will become a member of Lululemon’s board of directors once he joins the company.
“Calvin McDonald has an impressive track record leading organisations through periods of significant growth and innovation,” said Glenn Murphy, Lululemon’s board chair. “He is the ideal match for the Lululemon brand and culture given his strong consumer mindset, performance-driven approach, and success developing people,”
Murphy added the board is confident McDonald will maintain the momentum in the business and take Lululemon to new heights.
Under McDonald’s leadership, Sephora delivered double-digit growth year after year, expanded its product offerings, created new digital platforms and store experiences, and expanded in global markets, including Brazil and Mexico, as it became the recognised market leader in North and South America.
“I’m joining lululemon at an exciting time, with the brand’s strong business momentum, guest loyalty and passionate employees,” McDonald said. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Lululemon to deliver long-term growth through great product, constant innovation, and serving guests however they choose to engage with us, today and into the future.”
Murphy returns to serving as non-executive chairman of the board and the three executives, Celeste Burgoyne, Stuart Haselden and Sun Choe, who guided the day-to-day operations of Lululemon since February will report to McDonald.
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