Lululemon founder Chip Wilson has filed for divorce from his wife and longtime business partner, Shannon “Summer” Wilson, after two decades of marriage, putting their substantial personal fortunes under renewed scrutiny.
Wilson, 71, filed a family legal proceeding in the Supreme Court of British Columbia in April, according to Bloomberg.
The filing comes after the couple spent years building their lives and business interests together, including their early involvement in the athleticwear company.
The circumstances behind their separation have not been publicly disclosed.
However, people familiar with the situation told Bloomberg that the couple had discussed their separation with friends.
No Prenuptial Agreement Reportedly Signed
One of the most closely watched aspects of the divorce is the couple’s reported lack of a prenuptial agreement.
Sources cited by Bloomberg said Wilson and his wife did not enter into a prenup before their marriage.
Exactly how their assets will ultimately be divided remains uncertain and will depend on the legal proceedings and applicable British Columbia family law.
The financial stakes are considerable, with both spouses maintaining significant interests connected to Lululemon.
Billion-Dollar Lululemon Stakes Put Under Spotlight
Wilson remains one of Lululemon’s largest individual shareholders, holding approximately 8.6 percent of the company. Bloomberg valued that stake at just under $1 billion.
Summer Wilson, meanwhile, reportedly owns about 1 percent of Lululemon, giving her shares a value of roughly $100 million.
Those holdings alone place hundreds of millions of dollars in company stock at the center of attention as the divorce progresses.
The couple may also have other investments and assets that could form part of any financial settlement.
The development comes at a difficult moment for Lululemon, whose shares recently fell 17 percent and are sitting at their lowest level in about eight years.
Summer Wilson Was Part of Lululemon’s Early Success
Summer Wilson was not simply the founder’s spouse.
She was closely involved in the creation of Lululemon, serving as the company’s founding lead designer and one of its earliest employees.
Both Wilsons eventually stepped away from the business, although Chip Wilson remained a major shareholder after leaving his leadership role.
His departure followed years of controversy surrounding comments he made about Lululemon’s products and customers.
Founder Sparked Backlash Over Comments About Customers
Wilson faced widespread criticism in 2013 after discussing complaints about Lululemon’s Luon yoga pants becoming see-through.
He suggested that the problem was partly related to the bodies of some customers, making remarks about the rubbing of women’s thighs and the pressure placed on the fabric.
The controversy intensified after Lululemon was forced to recall almost 17 percent of its black Luon pants and offered customers refunds or exchanges.
Lululemon’s stock subsequently suffered a sharp decline, falling about 17 percent after the company had reported nearly $1.4 billion in sales the previous year, according to reports at the time.
Wilson later apologized for his remarks but eventually moved away from the company.
Wilson Continued to Criticize Lululemon’s Direction
More than a decade after the controversy, Wilson continued to voice strong opinions about the direction Lululemon had taken.
In a 2024 interview with Forbes, he criticized the company’s advertising strategy and argued that its decision to feature people he considered “unhealthy” or “sickly” was attracting the wrong customers.
He also accused Lululemon of attempting to become more like Gap by broadening its appeal.
Wilson argued that a successful brand should not attempt to appeal to everyone, maintaining that companies need to be clear about the customers they want to attract.
Lululemon Distanced Itself From Its Former Leader
Lululemon has previously made clear that Wilson’s views do not represent the company.
In a statement to TODAY, the retailer said Wilson had not been involved with the business since resigning from its board in 2015 and emphasized that the company had changed considerably since then.
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating a welcoming environment across its organization and communities.
New CEO Set to Take Charge
The divorce filing also comes as Lululemon prepares for another major corporate transition.
Former Nike executive Heidi O’Neill is expected to become the company’s chief executive on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.
With Lululemon shares under pressure and Wilson still holding a substantial stake, attention is likely to remain focused on how the divorce proceedings could affect the ownership and future control of the founder’s significant fortune.
