This year’s gala theme, Threads of Impact, underscores the shared vision of FIT and Gap Inc. and recognizes Dickson’s legacy of brand reinvigoration, highlighting his career-long dedication to treating creativity as both a cultural force and a business imperative.
The Fashion Institute of Technology will honour Richard Dickson, president and CEO of Gap Inc., at its Annual Gala on April 14, 2026, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City.
Celebrating his brand transformation leadership at Gap Inc. and Mattel, the event supports the FIT Foundation, which awarded over $3 million in scholarships in 2025.
“Gap Inc. is a house of iconic American brands guided by our purpose — to bridge gaps to create a better world. That includes bridging the opportunity gap. FIT embodies that same spirit, bringing education and industry together to unlock talent and expand what’s possible. We’re committed to opening doors, investing in emerging creatives, and building meaningful pathways into this industry for the next generation,” said Richard Dickson, President and CEO, Gap Inc. “I’m truly honored by this recognition and proud to champion the students and future leaders who will shape what’s next in design and fashion.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate Richard Dickson at FIT’s Annual Gala, in recognition of his remarkable achievements and leadership,” said FIT President Jason S. Schupbach. “Richard’s commitment to empowering the next generation reflects the heart of our mission—and inspires the entire FIT community. We are grateful for his generous support, as his work affirms what FIT has always shown: that when industry and education work as one, they are the catalyst for real-world change that shifts our culture.”
Dickson was appointed president and CEO of Gap Inc. in July 2023 and leads the company’s portfolio of iconic American brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Before stepping into this role, he was the president and chief operating officer of Mattel, where he was a lead architect in a global corporate transformation that reinvigorated Mattel’s storied brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price, re-enforcing Mattel as a key industry leader and cultural cornerstone. He also served as executive producer of the Barbie movie. While at Mattel, Dickson was appointed to the Gap Inc. Board of Directors in November 2022.
Under his leadership, Gap Inc. is progressing into one of the most celebrated companies in fashion, where purpose and profit are aligned to matter, creating positive impacts for people and the planet. Throughout his career, Dickson has been a committed champion of this belief, earning recognition including The Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award and the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose Force for Good Award.
The FIT Annual Gala, attended by distinguished guests and alumni from the fashion and creative industries, benefits the FIT Foundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the next generation of FIT students. In addition to facilitating programs and developing new initiatives, the Foundation provided scholarships totaling more than $3 million in 2025.
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Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)