Chip Wilson Calls for Stronger Leadership at lululemon Following Management Changes

On December 12, 2025, Chip Wilson, the founder and significant shareholder of lululemon athletica inc., voiced his concerns surrounding recent leadership announcements made by the company. Despite being one of the largest active shareholders, Wilson believes the board has repeatedly failed in succession planning and effective management.

Wilson articulated his perspective that lululemon requires a revitalization to regain its footing as a product-first company, essential for delivering long-term shareholder value. He stated, “After overseeing years of poor decisions that have eroded the brand and destroyed shareholder value, it is now evident that only under my increasing pressure has the lululemon Board finally started to listen.” This remark underlines his dissatisfaction with the board's performance and decision-making process.

The founder particularly criticized the board's management under CEO Calvin McDonald, highlighting that lululemon had seen a significant drop of 62.8% in share price over the last two years. In Wilson’s view, the board has failed to hold management accountable for product innovation and has exhibited a tendency towards complacency.

He expressed his disappointment that the board praised McDonald despite this drastic decline in shareholder value, calling attention to what he sees as a blatant disregard for shareholders. Wilson asserted that this misalignment with the company’s core values shows that the board is losing touch with its target customers and the factors that influence lululemon’s long-term growth.

“I thoroughly believe in the strength of the lululemon brand,” Wilson continued. “There are numerous experienced and qualified CEO candidates who could help continue the legacy of this brand.” He urged for an immediate search for new, independent directors with the expertise necessary to advise on the CEO selection process. Wilson's approach suggests that he is prepared to continue engaging with lululemon's board to facilitate constructive dialogue about future leadership.

The conversation initiated by Wilson reflects broader concerns regarding the governance and strategic direction of lululemon during a tumultuous period. As lululemon continues to navigate market complexities, the onus is on the board to adapt and evolve, maintaining a focus on company performance and shareholder value.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to observe how lululemon responds to Wilson's challenges and whether they can align their leadership strategies with the need for innovation and effective succession planning. This scenario serves as a critical reminder of the importance of robust governance and stakeholder engagement in retail industries.

As lululemon contemplates its next steps, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the board takes heed of Wilson’s insights, and how it will shape the future of their company amidst changes in leadership.