Gap Japan has a new leader
US retailer Gap Inc has appointed Ghen Akiyama (pictured) to the role of general manager at Gap Japan, responsible for overseeing fashion brands Gap and Banana Republic in the market.
Based in Tokyo, Mr Akiyama has also worked in Singapore, Milwaukee, Taipei and Los Angeles. He received his Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management following completion of bachelor’s studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Previous fashion industry experience includes time with VF Corporation, where Mr Akiyama most recently led the Timberland and Napapijri brands as general manager and representative director. Prior to this, he completed a four-year stint as head of marketing, product development and merchandising for Japan at Levi Strauss & Co.
According to the executive’s LinkedIn profile, Mr Akiyama’s focus at Gap Japan will take the form of developing and implementing the company’s mid-term growth strategy, cultivating a “robust” omnichannel shopping experience and working towards strengthening operations across more than 180 bricks and mortar stores.
Other key targets, he said, include prioritising the health and career growth of Gap Japan’s 4,500-plus employees.
Mr Akiyama took up his new position in July.
Image: Gap Japan.
