Another Key Gap Executive Joins J. Crew

J. Crew Group Inc. named Gap Inc.’s Ken Pilot as chief executive, the second executive to leave the clothing retailer for a position with J. Crew this year.

Pilot, 41, was president of Gap’s international unit, where he oversaw 650 stores in five countries, J. Crew said. He takes over Sept. 9 and replaces Mark Sarvary, who left J. Crew, a closely held seller of casual clothing, in May.

Pilot became head of overseas operations in January when San Francisco-based Gap formed U.S. and international divisions.

Pilot spent 13 years at Gap, which has had profit declines or losses in the last nine quarters. Gap’s same-store sales have fallen for 27 months.

A Gap spokesman said Pilot’s replacement will come from within the company.

He said the international division will report to Chief Executive Millard “Mickey” Drexler until an appointment is made. Drexler has announced plans to retire.

San Francisco-based Texas Pacific Group bought control of J. Crew in October 1997.

Shares of Gap rose 27 cents to $11.97 on the NYSE.