Quick Read
- Calvin McDonald will step down as Lululemon CEO in 2026, remaining as senior adviser until March 31, 2026.
- Lululemon’s revenue tripled under McDonald’s leadership, with current forecasts at $11 billion.
- The board has begun searching for a new CEO; CFO Meghan Frank and CCO André Maestrini will serve as interim co-CEOs.
- Marti Morfitt has been appointed executive chair to ensure continuity during the transition.
- Lululemon expanded to over 30 markets, with Mainland China now its second-largest market.
Calvin McDonald’s Departure Marks a Turning Point for Lululemon
After seven years at the helm, Calvin McDonald will step down as CEO of Lululemon in 2026, closing a transformative chapter for the athletic apparel giant. The announcement, confirmed by just-style, signals not just the end of an era but the beginning of a delicate leadership transition that will shape the company’s trajectory for years to come.
From Steady Growth to Global Expansion
McDonald assumed the top job at Lululemon in 2018, inheriting a brand with momentum but facing stiff competition and shifting consumer expectations. Under his stewardship, Lululemon’s annual revenue more than tripled, with forecasts projecting $11 billion for the current fiscal year—a figure that would have seemed ambitious just a few years ago.
One of McDonald’s most significant achievements was expanding the brand’s international footprint. Today, Lululemon operates in over 30 markets worldwide. Mainland China emerged as a major focus, quickly becoming Lululemon’s second-largest market. This move demonstrated McDonald’s ability to anticipate global trends and navigate the complexities of cross-border retail, solidifying Lululemon’s status as a truly international brand.
Leadership Transition: Who’s Next?
As McDonald prepares to exit, the company’s board has initiated a search for his successor, working with an executive search firm to identify a leader capable of steering Lululemon through its next phase. In the interim, Chief Financial Officer Meghan Frank and Chief Commercial Officer André Maestrini will serve as co-CEOs, ensuring continuity in day-to-day operations.
Marti Morfitt, chair of Lululemon’s board, has also taken on the expanded role of executive chair, effective immediately. This move aims to preserve stability and maintain the momentum built during McDonald’s tenure. Morfitt expressed confidence in the transition plan, emphasizing the importance of finding a leader with a proven track record in driving growth and transformation.
McDonald’s Perspective: Reflecting on a Transformative Tenure
In his parting statement, McDonald was candid about the pride he feels for what the team has accomplished. “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. Together, we have transformed the athletic apparel industry and the opportunity ahead for Lululemon is substantial,” he said.
He assured stakeholders that the product pipeline and strategic action plans in place would yield positive results, vowing to fully support the leadership transition as a senior adviser until March 31, 2026.
Continuity and Strategy: The Road Ahead
Lululemon’s board is determined to keep the company’s growth strategy on track during the transition. With Morfitt’s oversight and the interim co-CEOs at the helm, the focus remains on delivering shareholder value and sustaining the brand’s momentum. Morfitt’s statement captures the board’s sentiment: “Lululemon has a strong foundation in place, and, as we look to the future, the Board is focused on identifying a leader with a track record of driving companies through periods of growth and transformation to guide the company’s next chapter of success.”
While the search for a new CEO is underway, Morfitt is committed to working closely with Frank, Maestrini, and the senior leadership team to execute the company’s strategy with urgency and meaning.
The Challenges of Leadership Change
Leadership transitions are rarely simple, especially for companies at the peak of their performance. Lululemon’s position as a market leader in athletic apparel means expectations are high, and the stakes are significant. Investors and customers alike will be watching closely to see if the next CEO can match McDonald’s achievements—or perhaps, chart a new course for the brand.
With the global retail landscape evolving rapidly, the incoming leader will need to balance innovation with consistency, ensuring that Lululemon’s reputation for quality and customer engagement continues to set it apart.
Looking Forward: Will Lululemon Sustain Its Momentum?
As Lululemon prepares for this pivotal transition, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: can the company continue its remarkable growth story without McDonald at the helm? The foundation built during his tenure—a robust product pipeline, global reach, and a dedicated leadership team—suggests that Lululemon is well-positioned. But as with any change, there is an element of uncertainty. The next chapter will be defined by how the board, the interim leadership, and eventually the new CEO respond to the pressures and opportunities of a competitive industry.
McDonald’s legacy at Lululemon is marked by bold expansion and sustained growth. As he steps into an advisory role, the brand faces both the challenge and the opportunity of reinvention. The months ahead will reveal whether Lululemon’s foundation is strong enough to weather the transition and whether its next leader can inspire the same level of innovation and ambition.