Universal Music’s Jody Gerson Appointed to Gap Inc. Board of Directors
SAN FRANCISCO – Gap Inc. announced today the appointment of Jody Gerson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group, to its Board of Directors. The move signals Gap Inc.’s continued focus on bridging fashion, music, and culture, leveraging Gerson’s extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
Gerson, a prominent figure in the music business, is recognized for her expertise in ”fashion-tainment”-the intersection of fashion, music, and celebrity influence. Gap Inc. President and CEO Richard Dickson stated, “Jody is a cultural force in her own right.Her insights…are unmatched. At Gap Inc., we’ve always believed that style is a form of storytelling, and Jody’s ability to amplify voices and shape cultural moments will be invaluable as we continue redefining what it means to be an iconic, purpose-led house of brands.”
The appointment comes as Gap Inc.actively seeks to strengthen its resonance with younger consumers through strategic cultural partnerships. Recent initiatives include featuring girl group Katseye in the “Better in Denim” campaign and the hiring of designer Zac Posen as executive vice president and creative director. Posen has as dressed celebrities like Timothée chalamet, Anne Hathaway, and Demi Moore in Gap designs for red carpet appearances, with actress Laura Harrier wearing a custom Posen look at the 2025 Met Gala. posen also serves as chief creative officer at the Old Navy division.
Mayo A. Shattuck 3rd, chair of the Gap Inc.board, emphasized Gerson’s ability to “connect culture and commerce,” adding that her “vision and creativity will help us strengthen our brands’ resonance with the next generation of consumers.” Gerson herself noted Gap Inc.’s “remarkable renaissance as a brand that’s become synonymous with the culture of music.”
The declaration coincides with the release of Gap Inc.’s second quarter financial results, reporting net sales of $3.7 billion, remaining flat compared to the same period last year. Though, comparable sales increased by 1 percent year-over-year. Operating income was essentially unchanged at $292 million, while net income rose to $216 million, up from $206 million in the year-ago period.
Along with Dickson,Shattuck,and Gerson,the Gap Inc. board includes Brady Brewer (Starbucks International CEO), Salaam Coleman Smith (former Disney ABC Television Group executive), Lisa Donohue (former Publicis Spine CEO), Robert Fisher (Pisces Inc. managing director and former Gap Inc. interim CEO), William Fisher (Pisces inc. executive vice chairman and Manzanita Capital Ltd. founder/CEO), Kathryn A. Hall (Pathstone executive managing director and Galvanize climate Solutions founder/co-executive chair), Amy Miles (former Regal Entertainment Group chair and CEO), Chris O’Neill (GrowthLoop CEO), and Tariq Shaukat (Sonar CEO).
