Lululemon names Sephora veteran as CEO to augment growth plan

Bloomberg

Lululemon Athletica Inc. has named Calvin McDonald to lead the surging yogawear brand as it looks to rehabilitate its culture and expand its international presence.
McDonald, a 46-year-old native of Canada who most recently served as a top executive at makeup chain Sephora, steps into the CEO role vacated by Laurent Potdevin, Lululemon said in a statement. Potdevin departed abruptly in February due to improper conduct, which was said to include a relationship with a subordinate. McDonald begins the post on Aug. 20.
“Calvin McDonald has an impressive track record leading organisations through periods of significant growth and innovation,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman of Vancouver-based Lululemon. “He is the ideal match for the Lululemon brand and culture.”
Despite its recent success, Lululemon has had other tumultuous periods in its history. In 2013, founder Chip Wilson made insensitive remarks after the company was found to be selling see-through pants. He stepped down from the board in 2015 after
sparring with the company over strategy.
Through it all, investors and analysts have consistently placed great value on the brand, even though execution might have been lacking. Potdevin, who took over in 2014, brought more discipline and expanded overseas. The company emerged as one of the few bright spots in apparel with sales gaining 17 percent through April and the stock doubling in the last 12 months.