Muto Returns to Gap Brand as President

NEW YORK – Gap Inc. has named company veteran Gary Muto president of Gap Adult and Gapbody, effective immediately.

Muto, who’s been with the San Francisco-based specialty giant for 19 years, was most recently president of its startup Forth & Towne division. The company decided to close F&T after its 18-month startup on Feb. 26 and will cease all operations in June.

Tom Wyatt, who was president of Gapbody before assuming responsibility for Gap’s outlet division last month, was officially named president of the outlet unit Thursday and will oversee Gap and Banana Republic’s outlet stores.

Muto reports to Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America. He succeeds Denise Johnston, who left the company earlier this year. Diane Neal, who had been president of the outlet division, resigned that post last October to join Limited Brands as president and chief operating officer of Bath & Body Works.

Hansen called Muto “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 joined Gap as a merchandise manager for the Gap brand in 1988 and became president of Banana Republic in 2001 and president of Gap brand the following year.

“I care deeply about this company and it’s great to be back at Gap brand,” Muto commented. “I look forward to working with Marka and the team to return the brand to its leadership position.”