Drexler, 58, replaces Ken Pilot, who resigned as CEO. New York City-based J. Crew declined to comment about Pilot's future plans. Emily Woods relinquishes her chairman’s title but remains with J. Crew as a board member.
Drexler faces the task of reviving a retailer that has lost ground in a highly competitive sector, observed Howard Davidowitz, chairman of New York City-based retail consulting firm Davidowitz & Assoc.
"If I had to pick one person in America who could do this job, it would be him," Davidowitz said. "He reinvented Gap. He made it the most powerful apparel chain in the United States."
Even so, when Drexler left Gap in September, the chain had suffered two years of falling sales. But the new J. Crew chief appears confident going into his assignment. He and J. Crew majority owner Texas Pacific Group have each invested $10 million in the privately held retailer, which operates 152 stores and 43 factory outlets.
"I have always admired and respected J. Crew and its position in the marketplace," Drexler said in a written statement. "I look forward to the challenge."
Meanwhile, Jeff Pfeifle, former executive vice president at Gap’s Old Navy brand, has also joined J. Crew, as president.