Justin Breton, a seasoned marketing professional from Walmart, has taken on a new role at Gap Inc. to spearhead original content creation across various genres and platforms. This initiative supports the apparel giant's "Fashiontainment" business strategy, aiming to merge fashion with entertainment.
Beginning August 31st, Breton will assume the position of Vice President of Development at Gap. He will report directly to Pam Kaufman, the former Nickelodeon and Viacom executive who was appointed as Gap's first Chief Entertainment Officer in February. Breton will operate from New York, playing a crucial role in shaping Gap's new content direction.
Kaufman, under the direction of Gap CEO Richard Dickson, is leading the "Fashiontainment" content and branding effort, which encompasses the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. The primary objective is to enhance the brands' cultural footprint and cultivate a loyal fan base through increased social media interaction.
In his new capacity, Breton will collaborate closely with the brands to conceptualize, develop, and produce original content in diverse formats for the entire Gap Inc. portfolio. He will also work with CAA, managing the pitch process, refining ideas from inception to approval, and serving as a key liaison with producers, studios, talent, and production partners to bring these creative visions to fruition. This move signifies a significant advancement in building the "Fashiontainment" platform and supporting the brands as they adapt to contemporary cultural trends.
Breton's extensive experience includes six years at Walmart, where he served as Head of Partnerships, Content, and Emerging Experiences. Prior to that, he led partnerships for digital commerce companies Squarespace and Foursquare. He began his career in publishing with Condé Nast and Hearst. At Walmart, Breton was instrumental in launching "Camp by Walmart," an e-commerce-enabled series with over 100 interactive episodes, and developed a complementary experience for Netflix's Waffles and Mochi. He also built Walmart's gaming presence, including collaborations with EA Sports FC for the World Cup, and positioned Walmart as the first brand to integrate real-world commerce into the Roblox gaming platform, reaching a broad demographic including Gen Z.
The appointment of Justin Breton to lead original content development at Gap Inc. marks a forward-thinking step in the retail industry's evolution. By blending fashion with entertainment through innovative content, Gap Inc. is not only aiming to strengthen its brand presence but also to create deeper, more engaging connections with its audience. This strategic direction, driven by experienced leadership, promises to inspire creativity and foster a vibrant community around Gap Inc.'s diverse portfolio of brands, demonstrating a proactive approach to staying relevant and influential in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
