Executive Vice President

Gap Inc. said Wednesday that two executives at its most troubled divisions, Gap Adult and Old Navy, were leaving the San Francisco clothier. The nation's largest specialty retailer, which also operates Banana Republic and Forth & Towne, has suffered plummeting sales for more than two years, threatening the tenure of Chief Executive Paul Pressler. Pressler, a former Walt Disney Co. executive, has led the company for four years.

The president of Irvine Co.'s investment properties arm, Clarence Barker, will step down at the end of June and turn the job over to Richard Gilchrist, the big Orange County land developer announced Friday. Gilchrist, now president of the company's office unit, will be succeeded by Val Wheeler, 62, the division's current executive vice president of asset management. The head of the investment properties division oversees the company's retail, resorts, apartments and office divisions.

As adoring crowds turn out nationwide for the book tour of Sen. Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat has not only reaffirmed his standing as a potential presidential contender but also as the rare politician whose appeal carries over into print. "There's a difference between a politician and a folk hero, or rock star," says presidential historian Douglas Brinkley. "In large part because of his books, Obama has become a rock star."

Sunkist Growers Inc., the country's oldest and largest citrus marketing cooperative, named Timothy J. Lindgren chief executive and president. Lindgren is the former president of Fruit Growers Supply Co., a sister cooperative of Sherman Oaks-based Sunkist. He was appointed executive vice president in April when former president and CEO Jeff Gargiulo decided not to renew his contract in order to devote more time to his wine business.

Ford Motor Co. President Jim Padilla will retire July 1, becoming the latest manager to depart as Chief Executive William Clay Ford Jr. revamps his executive team and tries to end losses in North America. Ford, 48, will assume the duties of Padilla, 59, the company said. The president's post will remain vacant, spokesman Oscar Suris said. Also, a new operating committee will be formed, composed of Ford's executive vice presidents and finance chief.

Roger Keating, who will become head of Southern California's largest cable system if Time Warner Inc.'s proposed acquisition of Adelphia Communications Corp. is completed, promised Monday that the transaction would mean improved customer service and more advanced offerings throughout the region.