From Loblaw to Sears to Sephora to Lululemon

CALVIN McDONALD NEW CEO OF YOGAWEAR GIANT.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. has named Calvin McDonald to lead the yogawear maker as it looks to rehabilitate its internal culture and expand its international presence.

McDonald, 46, who most recently served as a top executive at makeup chain Sephora, steps into the chief executive officer role vacated by Laurent Potdevin, Vancouver-based 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 organizations through periods of significant growth and innovation,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman of Lululemon. “He is the ideal match for the Lululemon brand and culture.”

Lululemon was looking for a new leader who can present a favourable image for the company while simultaneously maintaining its robust growth of recent quarters. Unlike much of the apparel industry, Lululemon has been on a tear, with shares surging almost 100 per cent in the past year — a feat that likely boosts the company’s appeal for the incoming executive.

“I’m joining Lululemon at an exciting time, with the brand’s strong business momentum, guest loyalty and passionate employees,” McDonald said in the statement. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Lululemon to deliver long-term growth through great product, constant innovation, and serving guests however they choose to engage with us.”

McDonald joins Lululemon as the company, which turned women’s yoga wear into mainstream fashion, looks to expand its online presence and offer more menswear to better compete with the likes of Under Armour Inc. and Nike Inc. in a cutthroat sportswear market.

The Canadian-born McDonald earned his MBA at the University of Toronto and prior to joining Sephora in 2013, he spent two years as president and CEO of Sears Canada and 17 years in various roles with Loblaw Companies Ltd.

The shares rose as much as 0.8 per cent to $124 in late trading Tuesday.