Glenn K. Murphy is one of the most inspirational CEOs in the retail industry. Aformer corporate executive, he has served as chairman and CEO of Gap Inc. since 2007 and has been credited with transforming the company from an ailing retail giant into a powerhouse of innovation and sustainability.
Rising from humble beginnings, Murphy gained an early business education at his father’s store in the Toronto area. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, he became a management trainee at Canadian chain Dylex. This launched a 25-year fast-track of business leadership positions at Canadian retailers Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Zellers, as well as a stint in the US at Camp’s Department Stores. His stints in Canada as president and CEO at Shoppers Drug Mart and Zellers made him the ideal candidate when Gap Inc.’s board was looking for a new CEO in 2007.
Murphy brought a fresh set of innovative and strategic skills to the table. Building on the legacy of previous leaders, he helped the retailer to emerge from a mid-2000s slump to become a major player in the competitive and constantly changing retail sector once again. Murphy’s energetic vision is credited as a major factor in the Gap’s turnaround. He made a number of major decisions that have breathed new life into the Gap brand.
One thing Murphy has realized is that shoppers of today are not the same as shoppers of the past. He has passionately preached the importance of a omni-channel retail strategy, meaning that stores, websites, mobile apps and more must all seamlessly connect to provide shoppers with a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience.
Murphy has been a major driver of the company's growth and innovation. He implemented a significant restructuring of the company, renegotiated leases and investments, and built a network of partnerships with brands and other companies to expand the Gap’s product offerings. He also pushed for more investment and modernization in technology, bringing the retail giant into the 21st century with advanced analytics and payment systems.
Murphy recognized the importance of an engaged workforce in driving growth and innovation. He encourages his teams to challenge the status quo and thinks outside the box to bring the best solutions to the customers. He has also focused on creating career paths and opportunities within the company, to foster a culture of excellence and help identify, retain, and nurture talent.
As a leader, Murphy also insists on taking advantage of the latest technologies and processes not only to drive Gap's financial performance, but also to make meaningful contributions to the environment, community, and society. Sustainability has been a priority for Murphy, who has helped the Gap to reduce its water, electricity, and material use, as well as its carbon footprint, significantly. He has also worked to make sure the company is investing in its local communities, including initiatives to support education, employment and self-sufficiency.
Murphy’s success and innovation have made him an inspiration to other CEOs in the retail industry. He has also been widely recognized for his achievements, including being honored with CEO of the Year Champion honors from The International Retail Forum and the Government of Canada’s Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2013.
Glenn K. Murphy has made a lasting impression on the retailsector, and willcontinue to have a major impact on the industry for years to come. His vision, leadership, and commitment to sustainability and employee engagement have transformed the retail giant into a powerhouse of innovation and positioned it as a leader in the ever-changing retail space. With Murphy’s guidance, Gap Inc. is well-placed to continue its growth and success in the years to come.
