Elliott Management amasses $1B stake in Lululemon as battle for new CEO heats up

Core Viewpoint - Activist investor Elliott Management has acquired a $1 billion stake in Lululemon Athletica amid leadership changes, as the company seeks a new CEO following Calvin McDonald's resignation [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Calvin McDonald, Lululemon's CEO for seven years, will step down in January, with Elliott Management advocating for new leadership [3]. - Elliott Management is collaborating with Jane Nielsen, a former Ralph Lauren executive, as a potential candidate to lead the company [3][5]. - Chip Wilson, Lululemon's founder and a major shareholder, has called for independent directors to oversee the CEO search, criticizing the board for failing to hold management accountable [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Lululemon's shares increased by over 10% following McDonald's resignation announcement and rose by 8% after news of Elliott's stake [4]. - The company's total sales for the most recent quarter ending November 2 rose by 7% to $2.6 billion, driven by growth in China and other international markets, although North American sales declined by 2% [10]. Group 3: Market Challenges - Lululemon has faced challenges this year as competitors gain market share, and management has made missteps, including poorly received brightly colored apparel that has ended up on clearance [9]. - The company has shifted from its previous strategy of limited discounts, leading to an increase in clearance merchandise this year [6][9].