A seasoned leader with more than three decades of experience across the luxury, premium and specialty retail markets, Kohler will guide Banana Republic as the brand continues to build momentum and elevate its position as a modern explorer lifestyle brand rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and discovery.
Gap Inc. has appointed Donald Kohler as global brand president and CEO of Banana Republic from July 2026.
With over three decades across luxury, premium and specialty retail, he brings experience from PVH, Burberry, Ferragamo, Diesel and Gap.
He will lead product architecture, storytelling, store and digital experience, and disciplined global execution.
“Donald is a product-driven leader with deep global expertise and an extraordinary track record of revitalizing brands to new relevance with clarity, discipline, and storytelling that connects with customers to drive growth,” said Gap Inc. CEO Richard Dickson.
“Donald began his career in product at Gap Brand, where he developed his instincts for great design, impactful merchandising, and powerful storytelling. Just as importantly, he is deeply respected as a people leader who builds trust and develops high-performing teams. That rare combination of operational excellence and brand building positions him well to lead Banana Republic’s next chapter – building on the brand’s momentum and reinvigoration as a modern explorer brand,” Dickson added.
Kohler joins Banana Republic from PVH Corp., where he most recently served as CEO of PVH Americas, overseeing Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and the company’s regional retail, eCommerce, wholesale, and licensing businesses. Prior to PVH Corp., Kohler held senior leadership roles at Burberry, Ferragamo, and Diesel, where he consistently strengthened brand positioning, delivered operational excellence, and led consumer-focused transformation across global markets.
Earlier in his career, Kohler spent more than a decade at Gap Inc. in merchandising leadership roles across Gap, GapKids, and babyGap – an experience that shaped his approach to product excellence, customer-led focus, and cross-functional partnership.
“Returning to Gap Inc. is deeply meaningful for me,” said Kohler. “Banana Republic has extraordinary heritage and a powerful opportunity to inspire today’s consumer through elevated product, immersive storytelling, and a cohesive customer journey. I believe great brands are built by great teams, and I look forward to getting to know the Banana Republic team and building what’s next together.”
As Kohler steps into the role, Banana Republic will continue strengthening its product architecture, deepening brand storytelling, elevating the in-store and digital experience, and driving disciplined execution across all channels globally.
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (MS)
