UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549
_____________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report
(Date of earliest event reported)

April 11, 2016

THE GAP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
1-7562
 
94-1697231
(State of incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)




Two Folsom Street
San Francisco, California
 
94105
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(415) 427-0100
(Registrant’s telephone number,
including area code)

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

[ ]    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ]    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14d-2(b))
[ ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.13e-4(c))





Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officer; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
On April 13, 2016, The Gap, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing the appointment of Sonia Syngal as Global Brand President, Old Navy, effective April 13, 2016. A copy of this press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.         

Ms. Syngal had been serving as Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Product Operations, since February 2015. Prior to that, she served in a number of positions with the Company: Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain from November 2013 to February 2015; Senior Vice President, Old Navy International from February 2013 to November 2013; Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe from May 2011 to February 2013; Senior Vice President and General Manager, International Outlets from January 2010 to May 2011; Vice President positions in Global Production, Supply Chain, Outlet and Corporate Sourcing from July 2004 to January 2010.

On April 11, 2016, the Company and Ms. Syngal executed a letter agreement (the “Agreement”). The Agreement was approved by the Board’s Compensation and Management Development Committee (the “Committee”), which is composed solely of independent directors.

The following description of the Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1.

 
Position
Global Brand President, Old Navy
 
Term
At-will employment (no term).
 
Salary
$875,000 annual base salary.
 
Annual Bonus
Annual performance-based bonus targeted at 100% of annual base salary, with the potential to earn no bonus or up to 200% of annual base salary depending upon performance.
 
Equity

75,000 stock options granted at fair market value on April 13, 2016, vesting 25% per year over four years.

Target opportunity of 180% of base salary to earn performance shares under the Company’s Long-Term Growth Program that rewards achievement of Gap Inc. financial objectives over a three-year period beginning in 2016. Depending on results, the actual performance shares, if any, may be higher or lower and can reach a maximum of 300% of target shares. Performance shares granted on March 14, 2016 and April 13, 2016 together
 
 
 

2



 
 
represent a target grant at the Global President level. Awards are made in the form of performance shares that are paid in Company stock upon vesting. Payout is subject to certification by the Committee and the provisions of the Company’s stock plan and the award agreement thereunder. Earned shares will vest 50% on the date the Committee certifies attainment and 50% one year from the certification date.
 
Benefits
Benefits available to senior executives.
 
Termination/Severance
Upon involuntary termination for reasons other than cause prior to February 13, 2018, the Company will provide, subject to a release of claims, her then-current salary for 18 months, reimbursement for COBRA healthcare continuation, reimbursement for costs to maintain the financial counseling the Company provides to senior executives, a prorated bonus in year of termination if she worked 3 months of the fiscal year and if earned based on actual fiscal results and 100% standard for individual component achieved in the year of termination, accelerated vesting (but not settlement) of restricted stock units and performance shares that remain subject only to time vesting conditions scheduled to vest prior to April 1 following the fiscal year of termination, all as described in more detail in the Agreement.
 
Recoupment
The Company can require Ms. Syngal to repay bonus and equity compensation if the Company is required to restate its financial statements as a result of her misconduct as described in more detail in the Agreement.
 
Covenants
Includes confidentiality, non-disparagement, and one-year non-solicitation following termination of employment.


Item 9.01.      Financial Statements and Exhibits
10.1     Agreement with Sonia Syngal dated April 11, 2016 and confirmed on April 11, 2016

99.1     Press Release dated April 13, 2016


3



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
THE GAP, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
April 13, 2016
 
By:
/s/ Julie Gruber
 
 
 
Julie Gruber
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Global General Counsel
 
 
 


4



EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit Number
Description
 
10.1
Agreement with Sonia Syngal dated April 11, 2016 and confirmed on April 11, 2016
 
99.1
Press Release dated September 29, 2015
 

    
    


5

Exhibit 10.1


[Gap Inc. letterhead]

April 11, 2016

Sonia Syngal


Dear Sonia:

This letter is to confirm our offer to you as Global President, Old Navy.

Salary . Effective on your Start Date, your annual salary will be $875,000, payable every two weeks.
You are scheduled to receive a compensation review in March 2017, based on your time in the position.

Start Date. Your first day in your new position will be April 13, 2016, reporting to Art Peck, Chief Executive Officer, Gap Inc.

Annual Bonus. Based on your position as Global President, you will be eligible for an annual bonus based on Gap Inc. and/or Division financial objectives (weighted at 75%) and individual performance (weighted at 25%). Effective on your Start Date, your annual target bonus will be 100% of your base salary. Depending on results, your actual bonus, if any, may be higher or lower and can reach a maximum of 200%. Bonus payments will be prorated based on active time in position, divisional or country assignment and changes in base salary or incentive target that may occur during the fiscal year including any changes related to your acceptance of this position. Bonuses for fiscal 2016 are scheduled for payment in March 2017 and you must be employed by Gap Inc. on the payment date. Gap Inc. has the right to modify the program at any time. Management discretion can be used to modify the final award amount. Bonus payments are subject to supplemental income tax withholding.

Stock Options. The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors (“the Committee”) approved a stock option grant to you with a grant date of April 13, 2016 (the “date of grant) to purchase 75,000 shares of Gap Inc. common stock, subject to the provisions of Gap Inc.’s stock plan. The option price shall be determined by the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. These options will become vested and exercisable as shown in the schedule below, provided you are employed by Gap Inc. on the vesting date. These options must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant or within three months of your employment termination, whichever is earlier, or you will lose your right to do so.

Option to purchase 18,750 shares vesting one year from date of grant.
Option to purchase 18,750 shares vesting two years from date of grant.
Option to purchase 18,750 shares vesting three years from date of grant.
Option to purchase 18,750 shares vesting four years from date of grant.

Long-Term Growth Program. Based on your position as Global President, you will continue to be eligible to participate in the Long-Term Growth Program that rewards achievement of Gap Inc. and/or Division financial objectives over a three year period. Under the current program, your target opportunity to earn performance shares is 180% of your base salary. Depending on results, your actual performance shares, if any, may be higher or lower and can reach a maximum of 300% of target shares. Awards are made in the form of performance shares that are paid in Gap Inc. stock upon vesting.

For the current fiscal 2016-2018 performance cycle, the Committee has approved an additional grant of performance shares covering a target amount of 22,365 shares of Gap Inc. common stock with a grant date of April 13, 2016. Together with the performance shares granted to you on March 14, 2016, this represents a target grant at the Global President level. For both of these grants, measurement will be on Old Navy


Sonia Syngal
April 11, 2016
Page 2

earnings for fiscal 2016. The number of earned performance shares, if any, will be determined no later than March 2019. Payout is subject to certification by the Committee and the provisions of Gap Inc.’s stock plan. Earned shares will vest 50% on the date the Committee certifies attainment and 50% one year from the certification date provided you are employed by Gap Inc. on the vesting dates. Gap Inc. has the right to modify the program at any time. Committee discretion can be used to modify the final share amount. Shares are subject to income tax withholding upon vesting.
 
Termination/Severance. In the event that your employment is involuntarily terminated by the Company for reasons other than For Cause (as defined below) prior to February 13, 2018, the Company will provide you the following after your "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Separation from Service”), provided you sign a general release of claims in the form requested by the Company and it becomes effective within 45 calendar days after such Separation from Service (such 45 th day, the “Release Deadline”): 

(1) Your then current salary, at regular pay cycle intervals, for eighteen months commencing in the first regular pay cycle following the Release Deadline (the “severance period”).  Payments will cease if you accept other employment or professional relationship with a competitor of the Company (defined as another company primarily engaged in the apparel design or apparel retail business or any retailer with apparel sales in excess of $500 million annually), or if you breach your remaining obligations to the Company (e.g., your duty to protect confidential information, agreement not to solicit Company employees).  Payments will be reduced by any compensation you receive (as received) during the severance period from other employment or professional relationship with a non-competitor. Each payment will be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) Through the end of the period in which you are receiving payments under paragraph (1) above, if you properly elect and maintain COBRA coverage, payment of a portion of your COBRA premium in a method as determined by the Company. This payment may be taxable income to you and subject to tax withholding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company’s payment of the monthly COBRA premium shall cease immediately if the Company determines in its discretion that paying such monthly COBRA premium would result in the Company being in violation of, or incurring any fine, penalty, or excise tax under, applicable law (including, without limitation, any penalty imposed for violation of the nondiscrimination requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or guidance issued thereunder).

(3) Through the end of the period in which you are receiving payments under paragraph (1) above, reimbursement for your costs to maintain the same or comparable financial counseling program the Company provides to senior executives in effect at the time of your Separation from Service.  The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a calendar year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year.  Reimbursement shall be made on or before the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the reimbursement is incurred but not later than the end of the second calendar year following the calendar year of your Separation from Service.

(4) Prorated Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, on the condition that you have worked at least 3 months of the fiscal year in which you are terminated, based on actual financial results and 100% standard for the individual component. Such bonus will paid in March of the year following termination at the time Annual Bonuses for the year of termination are paid, but in no event later than the 15th day of the third month following the later of the end of the Company’s taxable year or the end of the calendar year in which such termination occurs.

(5) Accelerated vesting (but not settlement) of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance shares that remain subject only to time vesting conditions (excluding any performance shares that remain subject to performance-based vesting conditions) scheduled to vest prior to April 1 following the fiscal year of termination. Shares of the Company stock in settlement of any vested RSUs and/or performance shares



Sonia Syngal
April 11, 2016
Page 3

under this section will be delivered on the applicable regularly scheduled vesting dates subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable award agreement including, without limitation, the Internal Revenue Code Section 409A six-month delay language thereunder to the extent necessary to avoid taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

The payments in (1), (3), (4) and (5) above are, and the payment described in (2) above may be, taxable income to you and are subject to tax withholding.  If the aggregate amount that would be payable to you under paragraphs (1), (2), (3) and (4) above through the date which is six months after your Separation from Service (excluding amounts exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code under the short-term deferral rule thereunder or Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v))  exceeds the limit under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A) and you are a “specified employee” under Treas. Reg. Section 1.409A-1(i) on the date of your Separation from Service, then the excess will be paid to you no earlier than the date which is six months after the date of such separation (or such earlier time permitted under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code). This delay will only be imposed to the extent required to avoid the tax for which you would otherwise be liable under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Any delayed payment instead will be made on the first business day following the expiration of the six month period, as applicable (or such earlier time permitted under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code). Payments that are not delayed will be paid in accordance with their terms determined without regard to such delay.

The term “For Cause” shall mean a good faith determination by the Company that your employment be terminated for any of the following reasons:  (1) indictment, conviction or admission of any crimes involving theft, fraud or moral turpitude; (2) engaging in gross neglect of duties, including willfully failing or refusing to implement or follow direction of the Company; or (3) breaching Gap Inc.’s policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Code of Business Conduct.

At any time, if you voluntarily resign your employment from Gap Inc. or your employment is terminated For Cause, you will receive no compensation, payment or benefits after your last day of employment.  If your employment terminates for any reason, you will not be entitled to any payments, benefits or compensation other than as provided in this letter.

Recoupment Policy. As a Global President, the Company’s recoupment policy will continue to apply to you. Under the current policy, subject to the discretion and approval of the Board, Gap Inc. will, to the extent permitted by governing law, in all appropriate cases as determined by the Board, require reimbursement and/or cancellation of any bonus or other incentive compensation, including stock-based compensation, awarded to an executive officer or other member of the Gap Inc.’s executive leadership team where all of the following factors are present: (a) the award was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement, (b) in the Board’s view, the executive engaged in fraud or intentional misconduct that was a substantial contributing cause to the need for the restatement, and (c) a lower award would have been made to the executive based upon the restated financial results. In each such instance, Gap Inc. will seek to recover the individual executive’s entire annual bonus or award for the relevant period, plus a reasonable rate of interest.

Benefits/Indemnification. You are eligible to participate in Gap Inc. health and welfare benefit programs offered to similarly situated Global Presidents. Gap Inc. reserves the right to change its health and welfare programs at any time. Gap Inc. provides you certain indemnification and insurance as more fully described in Article V. of the Gap Inc. By-laws.

Abide by Gap Inc. Policies/Protection of Gap Inc. Information. You agree to abide by all Gap Inc. policies including, but not limited to, policies contained in the Code of Business Conduct. As a Global President, you are subject to Stock Ownership Requirements for Gap Inc. Executives at this level which can be found on Gapinc.com. You also agree to abide by the Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation terms below during and after your employment with Gap Inc.




Sonia Syngal
April 11, 2016
Page 4

Insider Trading Policies. Based on the level of your position, you will be subject to Gap Inc.'s Securities Law Compliance Manual, which among other things places restrictions on your ability to buy and sell Gap Inc. stock and requires you to pre-clear trades. This position will subject you to the requirements of Section 16 of the United States Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. If you do not already have a copy of the compliance manual, or have questions about it, you should contact Gap Inc. Global Equity Administration, at (415) 427-2802.

Confidentiality. You acknowledge that you will be in a relationship of confidence and trust with Gap Inc. As a result, during your employment with Gap Inc., you will acquire “Confidential Information,” which is information (whether in electronic or any other format) that people outside Gap Inc. never see, such as unannounced product information or designs, business or strategic plans, financial information and organizational charts, and other materials. 

You agree that you will keep the Confidential Information in strictest confidence and trust. You will not, without the prior written consent of Gap Inc.’s General Counsel, directly or indirectly use or disclose to any person or entity any Confidential Information, during or after your employment, except as is necessary in the ordinary course of performing your duties while employed by Gap Inc., or if required to be disclosed by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, administrative agency or governmental body, or by subpoena, summons or other legal process, provided that prior to such disclosure, Gap Inc. is given reasonable advance notice of such order and an opportunity to object to such disclosure.

You agree that in the event your employment terminates for any reason, you will immediately deliver to Gap Inc. all company property, including all documents, materials or property of any description, or any reproduction of such materials, containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information.

Non-Solicitation of Employees. In order to protect Confidential Information, you agree that so long as you are employed by Gap Inc., and for a period of one year thereafter, you will not directly or indirectly, on behalf of yourself, any other person or entity, solicit, call upon, recruit, or attempt to solicit any of Gap Inc.’s employees or in any way encourage any Gap Inc. employee to leave their employment with Gap Inc. You further agree that you will not directly or indirectly, on behalf of yourself, any other person or entity, interfere or attempt to interfere with Gap Inc.’s relationship with any person who at any time was an employee, consultant, customer or vendor or otherwise has or had a business relationship with Gap Inc.    

Non-disparagement. You agree now, and after your employment with the Gap Inc. terminates not to, directly or indirectly, disparage Gap Inc. in any way or to make negative, derogatory or untrue statements about Gap Inc., its business activities, or any of its directors, managers, officers, employees, affiliates, agents or representatives to any person or entity.

Employment Status. You understand that your employment is “at-will”. This means that you do not have a contract of employment for any particular duration or limiting the grounds for your termination in any way. You are free to resign at any time. Similarly, Gap Inc. is free to terminate your employment at any time for any reason. The only way your at-will status can be changed is through a written agreement with Gap Inc., signed by an authorized officer of Gap Inc. In the event that there is any dispute over the terms, enforcement or obligations in this letter, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the other party reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred to enforce any agreements.

Please note that except for those agreements or plans referenced in this letter and attachments, this letter contains the entire understanding of the parties with respect to this offer of employment and supersedes any other agreements, representations or understandings (whether oral or written and whether express or implied) with respect to this offer. Please review and sign this letter. You may keep one original for your personal records.

    



Sonia Syngal
April 11, 2016
Page 5

Sonia, welcome to your new position and congratulations on this latest achievement in your career path at Gap Inc.

Yours sincerely,



/s/ Art Peck            
Art Peck
Chief Executive Officer, Gap Inc.


Confirmed this 11th day of April, 2016



/s/ Sonia Syngal            
Sonia Syngal    



Exhibit 99.1






SONIA SYNGAL APPOINTED TO LEAD OLD NAVY’S NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

Two Proven Leaders to Oversee Gap Inc. Global Supply Chain Responsibilities

SAN FRANCISCO - April 13, 2016 - Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that Sonia Syngal has been selected as Old Navy’s global president, effective immediately, to lead the brand’s continued reinvention of the value space with quality, accessible fashion for everyone. She will continue to report to Gap Inc. Chief Executive Officer Art Peck.

During her 12 year Gap Inc. tenure, Syngal has been a key driver in evolving the company’s product-to-market model, and held leadership roles where she honed her expertise in managing retail operations, driving growth, and bringing brand experiences to life for customers. The appointment marks Syngal’s return to Old Navy where she served as senior vice president of the brand’s International division in 2013, until being tapped to lead Gap Inc.’s enterprise-wide global supply chain.

“Sonia is an inspiring leader with a proven track record leading transformation and driving product-to-market innovations,” said Art Peck, chief executive officer, Gap Inc. “Following a comprehensive search, I’m confident Sonia is the right leader to enable Old Navy to realize its substantial, long-term growth potential.”

Most recently, Syngal served as executive vice president of Global Supply Chain and Product Operations for Gap Inc., responsible for managing all aspects of global sourcing, logistics and product operations across all of Gap Inc.’s brands and channels. In this role, Syngal worked closely with Old Navy leadership to develop the company’s newly evolved product-to-market model designed to increase speed and flexibility, while delivering brand-right product in a systematic, repeatable way across the enterprise.

“Old Navy is truly changing the value space with great design and quality apparel that the whole family loves, and I can't wait to focus my energy on continuing to deliver that promise for our customers,” said Syngal. “How we continue to transform our product engine, focused on balancing amazing product with operational excellence, will be key to unlocking Old Navy’s next phase of growth.”

Before her time at Old Navy, Syngal led Gap and Banana Republic’s European business for nearly two years, and spent almost three years driving the international divisions for Gap Outlet and Banana Republic Factory Stores. She also held various vice president-level roles across the company’s global sourcing organization for four years. Prior to joining Gap Inc., Syngal had a successful career in Fortune 500 companies having spent 10 years at Sun Microsystems and six years at Ford Motor Company.

Jill Stanton, who served as interim leader for Old Navy, will serve as a strategic advisor to support a seamless transition as Syngal takes the helm. Additionally, the company announced that two seasoned executives will oversee Gap Inc.’s global supply chain and logistics functions. Effective immediately, Michael Yee, will serve as executive vice president, Global Supply Chain, Sourcing and Production and Shawn Curran, as executive vice president, Global Supply Chain Logistics and Product Operations. Both Yee and Curran will report to Peck and join the senior leadership team.





“We want to thank Jill for her leadership through this transition and for all she’s done in building a strong product team,” said Peck. “I look forward to working with Michael and Shawn in their new roles and continuing to leverage their expertise across the enterprise.”

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2015 net sales were $15.8 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,300 company-operated stores, over 400 franchise stores, and e- commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com .

Investor Relations Contact:
 
 
Media Relations Contact:
 
Jack Calandra
 
 
Kari Shellhorn
 
(415) 427-1726
 
 
(415) 521-0595
 
Investor_relations@gap.com
 
 
Press@gap.com