Murphy was most recently CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart, the Canadian drug store chain, and more than tripled the firm's revenues, to about $9.5 billion, following an IPO.
He replaces Robert Fisher, who has served as interim CEO since Pressler's departure. Fisher will relinquish the title of chairman but continue to serve on Gap's board.
Prior to joining Shoppers Drug Mart, Murphy was with Loblaw Companies, a leading Canadian retail and wholesale drug company, and was president and CEO of Chapters, a Canadian book retailer.