**Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald to Depart Amid Growth Strategy Shift**
Calvin McDonald, the Chief Executive Officer of Lululemon Athletica, is set to resign from his position as the athletic apparel company aims to accelerate its growth following a challenging year marked by declining sales. In an announcement made on Thursday, Lululemon confirmed that McDonald will step down by January 31, 2026, while the search for his successor is underway.
The company stated, “The board is conducting a comprehensive search process in partnership with a leading executive search firm to identify the company’s next CEO.” During this transition period, Chief Financial Officer Meghan Frank and Chief Commercial Officer André Maestrini will serve as interim co-CEOs.
Both interim leaders bring significant global retail experience and a strong track record of driving growth at Lululemon. Additionally, Marti Morfitt, the chair of the board, will assume an expanded role as executive chair.
Reflecting on his tenure, McDonald expressed, “Serving as CEO of Lululemon has been the highlight of my career, and I am incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished. I am committed to fully supporting the transition and helping guide our leadership team in my advisory role as they execute against our strategy.”
This announcement coincided with Lululemon’s third-quarter results, which revealed ongoing challenges in the U.S. market, where net revenue declined by 2%, contrasted with a 33% increase in international revenue.
Following the news of McDonald’s departure, Lululemon shares surged over 10% in post-market trading, although the stock has seen a decline of more than 50% since the previous close. Under McDonald’s leadership, Lululemon shares rose by 37%, while the S&P Index experienced a 142% increase during the same timeframe.
Calvin McDonald has been at the helm of Lululemon since 2018, following a successful five-year stint as president and CEO of Sephora Americas. His career also includes two years as President and CEO of Sears Canada and a 17-year tenure at Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest retailer. McDonald holds an MBA from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario.
As Lululemon navigates this leadership transition, the focus will be on revitalizing its growth strategy and addressing the challenges posed by shifting consumer demand.
**FAQ**
**What prompted Calvin McDonald’s departure from Lululemon?**
Calvin McDonald is stepping down as CEO as Lululemon seeks to enhance its growth strategy after experiencing a year of declining sales in the U.S. market.
