lululemon athletica inc. Announces CEO Transition, Launches Global Search for Next Leader
lululemon athletica inc. announced a major leadership transition today, confirming that Chief Executive Officer Calvin McDonald will step down from his role as CEO and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective January 31, 2026. This decision marks the beginning of a carefully structured succession process designed to preserve stability and continue the company’s trajectory of global expansion, innovation, and sustained revenue growth.
According to the company, Mr. McDonald and the Board have been working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months. Following his formal departure from the CEO role, Mr. McDonald will remain closely involved with the organization as a senior advisor through March 31, 2026. In this advisory capacity, he will support the company’s strategic initiatives, help maintain operational continuity, and offer guidance to interim leadership as lululemon moves through the next phase of its executive search.
To identify the company’s next chief executive, lululemon has engaged a leading global executive search firm. The Board has emphasized that this process will be extensive and inclusive, focusing on candidates with strong experience in driving international retail growth, scaling global brands, and navigating the evolving competitive landscape of athletic and lifestyle apparel. The company noted that it is committed to selecting a leader who can preserve lululemon’s strong cultural identity, strengthen the brand’s global presence, and accelerate its long-term strategic vision.
Alongside the CEO transition announcement, lululemon introduced several immediate leadership updates intended to reinforce stability and ensure that the company maintains both near- and long-term momentum. Marti Morfitt, Chair of the Board, will assume an expanded role as Executive Chair effective immediately. In this elevated position, Ms. Morfitt will work more closely with the senior leadership team and act as a central pillar of oversight and guidance as the company enters this period of transition. Her role will focus on sustaining operational execution, supporting the strategic plan, and maintaining alignment between leadership teams and the Board.
To further reinforce continuity across the organization, lululemon announced that Chief Financial Officer Meghan Frank and Chief Commercial Officer André Maestrini will jointly serve as interim co-CEOs once Mr. McDonald steps down. Both executives are long-standing leaders within the company with deep expertise in global business operations, revenue growth, and organizational leadership. The Board expressed confidence in their ability to guide the company through the interim period while the global CEO search progresses. Their appointment ensures that all major business functions—from product development and merchandising to financial stewardship, commercial execution, and global expansion—remain well supported and strategically aligned.
Mr. McDonald’s decision to step down comes after a transformative seven-year tenure that reshaped lululemon’s global business profile, competitive positioning, and product ecosystem. Since joining the company in 2018, McDonald has overseen a period of significant evolution and rapid scaling, leading lululemon through years of consistent revenue expansion, diversification, and global market penetration. Under his leadership, lululemon’s annual revenues have more than tripled, and the company is expected to generate approximately $11 billion in annual revenue this fiscal year—a milestone that solidifies its place among the world’s leading athletic and lifestyle apparel brands.
During his tenure, McDonald also played a central role in bolstering lululemon’s international footprint. The company expanded to more than 30 geographies worldwide, with particular momentum in the Asia-Pacific region. A notable highlight of his leadership is the rapid growth of the China Mainland business, which has become lululemon’s second-largest market after North America. This accomplishment reflects the successful execution of the company’s strategic aspiration to be a truly global brand and underscores lululemon’s ongoing opportunity for expansion in high-growth international markets.
In addition to geographic expansion, McDonald guided the company through a substantial broadening of its product portfolio. Under his direction, lululemon deepened its presence across core athletic categories while also expanding its offerings into new lifestyle, performance, and sport-specific segments. The company formally entered rapidly growing activities such as tennis and golf, responding to evolving consumer preferences and tapping into new revenue channels. These expansions helped diversify lululemon’s product mix and further strengthen its position as a premium, innovation-driven brand in the global apparel industry.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. McDonald expressed gratitude for his time leading the organization and pride in the achievements of the lululemon team. “Serving as CEO of lululemon has been the highlight of my career, and I am incredibly proud of everything our team has accomplished over the last seven years,” he said. He emphasized that the company’s success reflects strong teamwork, a commitment to innovation, and a consistent focus on guest experience. “Together, we have transformed the athletic apparel industry and the opportunity ahead for lululemon is substantial,” he continued. McDonald also noted his confidence in the company’s product pipeline and long-term strategic plan, stating that lululemon is well prepared to continue creating value for shareholders. He affirmed his commitment to supporting the transition and working closely with the leadership team in his advisory role as the next phase of the company’s journey unfolds.
Board Chair and newly appointed Executive Chair Marti Morfitt also offered praise for McDonald’s contributions and leadership legacy. “On behalf of the Board and the entire organization, I want to thank Calvin for his visionary leadership building lululemon into one of the strongest brands in retail,” she said. Morfitt highlighted his success in elevating lululemon’s global reputation through innovative product development, compelling guest experiences, and a differentiated brand identity that resonates across diverse markets. She also acknowledged his role in steering the company through shifting retail dynamics and delivering outstanding financial performance year after year. “We are grateful for Calvin’s numerous contributions and appreciate his continued support over the coming months to facilitate a seamless transition,” she said.
Morfitt further emphasized the Board’s confidence in the company’s strategic direction and in the leadership team responsible for carrying forward the brand’s next chapter. “The Board is confident in our leadership transition plan, the strength of our teams across the company, and our ability to deliver on our strategy,” she noted. She highlighted lululemon’s strong foundation, including its global reach, committed employee base, product innovation pipeline, and long-range growth framework. As the search for the next CEO begins in earnest, Morfitt explained that the Board is focused on identifying a leader with the experience and vision needed to guide lululemon through its next stage of growth and transformation. The priority is a CEO who can propel the company forward in an increasingly competitive environment while staying true to the brand’s core values and community-driven culture.
In the interim period, Morfitt expressed optimism about working closely with interim co-CEOs Meghan Frank and André Maestrini and the Senior Leadership Team. She emphasized that the company’s strategic initiatives will continue with urgency, discipline, and a clear focus on sustaining growth. “While the search is underway, I look forward to working closely with Meghan, André, and the rest of the Senior Leadership Team to execute on our strategy with a sense of urgency and meaningfully drive the business forward,” she said.
As lululemon enters this new chapter, the company reiterates that its long-term growth framework remains unchanged. The leadership transition is structured to preserve continuity, maintain operational excellence, and position the company strongly for future global expansion. With a robust product pipeline, expanding international markets, and a disciplined strategic plan, lululemon aims to build on the strong foundation established during McDonald’s tenure and continue delivering long-term value for shareholders, customers, and employees.
