Activist investor wants Ralph Lauren veteran to lead Lululemon

Core Insights - Lululemon's CEO succession plans are under scrutiny, with founder Chip Wilson highlighting the presence of several qualified candidates for the role [3] - Elliott Investment Management has acquired a stake exceeding $1 billion in Lululemon and is advocating for Jane Nielsen, a former executive at Ralph Lauren, to become the new CEO [4][7] - Analysts, including those from Needham, view Nielsen as a strong candidate due to her successful track record in revitalizing brands, although they note that Lululemon's challenges differ from those faced by Ralph Lauren and Coach [5][6] Company Developments - CEO Calvin McDonald is set to step down, prompting the search for a new leader who can drive growth and transformation [7] - CFO Meghan Frank will co-lead the company in the interim, emphasizing the need for experience in growth and transformation for the next CEO [7] Market Reactions - Elliott's push for Nielsen is based on her strategic experience and past successes in improving share price, gross margin, and earnings per share at Ralph Lauren [4] - Analysts recognize Nielsen's turnaround capabilities but caution that Lululemon's issues stem from product missteps and increased competition, rather than the distribution challenges faced by her previous companies [5][6]