DID YOU KNOW? Ralph Lauren's New C.E.O. — Stefan Larsson

Stefan Larsson the ex-President of Gap's Old Navy chain and newly-crowned C.E.O. of the Ralph Lauren Corporation

Who Is Stefan Larsson, Ralph Lauren's New CEO?

Can a Swedish-born fast fashion impresario revive the fortunes of a faltering American clothing and accessories empire known for its upscale dreams of country clubs and Western chic? Ralph Lauren, 75, the self-made billionaire who’s run his eponymous company for nearly 50 years, surprised the fashion world yesterday when he announced that he will relinquish the CEO’s job in favor of Stefan Larsson, 41, a veteran of Gap’s downscale Old Navy brand and discount clothing purveyor H&M.

Ralph Lauren — the iconic fashion designer & legendary fashion mogul of the global multi-billion-dollar Polo Ralph Lauren brand enterprise is waving good-bye — stepping-down as the company's C.E.O. on September 29th, 2015

When Lauren first heard Larsson’s name from a Lauren board member, the New York Times reports, he said, “Why would I be looking for that? We’re building a great luxury company.” The two met for a private dinner in New York, and Lauren was still thinking, “Why am I here?” According to the Times, the feeling was mutual. “I was hesitating,” Larsson said. “Why was he interested in speaking to me?” But the two had great chemistry and Lauren warmed immediately to the idea. Said Lauren, “He’s unique as a man, a man who’s capable of building businesses and growing companies, but at the same time he’s sensitive to people’s feelings,”

That combination of sensitivity and smarts has brought great success to Larsson through his career, first at Stockholm-based discount fashion retailer H&M where he worked for 15 years, and then for the last three years, at what was a foundering brand before he got there, Old Navy, owned by San Francisco-based Gap. At Old Navy, Larsson pushed to change the strategy from what he called “clothes-by-the-pound” to a more aspirational, fashion- conscious approach.

In with the new: Stefan Larsson (left) and Ralph Lauren. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

In a May interview with the Times, Larsson compared his search for new, appealing Old Navy merchandise to Apple’s constant releases of improved gadgets. “If you keep competing with generic products, and a higher and higher discount, you’re going to lose,” he said. That explains Old Navy’s dive into performance fabrics and other sportswear like yoga pants. Another example: pixie pants, which are casual but slim-fitting and cut to hang just below the ankle. The brand also introduced commercials starring popular comediennes Amy Poehler and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, which went viral.

At Old Navy, Larsson directed the international expansion of the brand, beginning with Japan. According to GQ, at Old Navy his hires included an accessories and bag designer from Coach COH +3.45%, athletic wear designers from Nike NKE +1.60% and Reebok and the men’s apparel director from North Face. — Susan Adams | Forbes

DID YOU KNOW? Stefan Larsson replaced Ralph Lauren as the "new" Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation's C.E.O. — "And if you don't know, now you know n*gga!"