Lululemon has appointed Maggie Gauger as its new president and chief product officer as part of a wider senior leadership shake-up.

Gauger joins from the athleisure brand Athleta, where she has been chief executive for 15 months.

Prior to this, Gauger spent 23 years at Nike, ending as vice president and general manager for the brand’s North America Women’s business.

Lululemon said the role is a newly created position intended to improve the company’s approach to product innovation, with Gauger set to focus on applying the brand’s strategy to its product offerings and expand its appeal to customers.

It added that its existing merchandising and design leaders will report directly to Gauger.

Alongside her appointment, the athletic apparel retailer announced the appointment of Joseph Godsey as its new chief operating officer. He joins from Walmart Canada, where he was chief growth officer.

Lululemon’s chief executive, Heidi O’Neill, said that the firm is working to become stronger and more competitive.

“We are establishing a deeply experienced leadership team that will work in a more coordinated manner, aligned around the strategy and execution that delivers the most impact for our guests, our communities, and our business,” O’Neill said.

“That starts with putting product, design, and innovation at the centre of how we operate, with the focus and accountability to create a stronger pipeline of differentiated product to raise the bar for our guests across every touchpoint, in stores and online.”

In addition to the new hires, Lululemon announced it is actively searching for its next chief brand officer, chief communications officer, and chief technology officer.

As part of this leadership change, Lululemon announced that its chief brand and product activation officer and chief supply chain officer will leave the company. Nikki Neuburger and Ted Dagnese will depart on 6 November to “pursue other opportunities”.

Ranju Das, Lululemon’s chief AI and technology officer, left the company in September to focus on new ventures.

Its chief financial officer, Meghan Frank, will continue in her current position and take on additional oversight of Lululemon’s brand and technology functions until the open positions are filled.

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