Gap taps Michael Cape to head Old Navy marketing

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Gap Inc.(GPS.N), in the midst of an attempt to find a new chief executive and revive its two main clothing chains, said on Friday it hired Michael Cape as its new executive vice president of marketing for Old Navy.

The global retailer's Old Navy and Gap chains have faced sluggish sales for over two years. Critics have cited a host of complaints over merchandise, quality and, in Old Navy's case, store appearance.

Family-oriented Old Navy, where clothing is cheaper than at the Gap, has seen its market share erode to a host of competitors such as Kohl's Corp. (KSS.N) and Target Corp.(TGT.N).

"Michael has strong creative vision and experience in understanding and building brands," said Robertson in a statement, calling Cape, a former J.C. Penney Co. Inc. (JCP.N) executive, "a perfect fit for what we're looking for to take Old Navy forward."

Cape, who will head all aspects of marketing for the brand, will report to Old Navy President Dawn Robertson, the company said.

Gap's board of directors has been reviewing brand strategies at the two chains since the beginning of the year and executive turnover has ensued, including the departure of Chief Executive Paul Pressler in January.

Old Navy's executive vice president of product design Ivy Ross also left the company in January and has not yet been replaced.

Old Navy President Robertson, a longtime department store executive, was tapped in October to reinvigorate Old Navy, following the departure of Jenny Ming, who was widely credited for Old Navy's success in its early days.