Executive Leadership Team
Jay L. Schottenstein
Since 1992, Jay has been a visionary leader for American Eagle Outfitters. Together, with his father Jerome Schottenstein, the two forged a path that led to the evolution of AEO from a single brand company, to a multi-brand global business. Jay has been instrumental in the successful growth of American Eagle and the launch of the Aerie brand, and has built a strong foundation for AEO’s leading market position.
Jay returned to AEO as Chief Executive Officer in 2014, a position he previously held from 1992 to 2002. He has served as AEO's Chairman of the Board continuously since 1992, and he remains one of our largest shareholders. Jay’s expertise across apparel merchandising, operations, retail, real estate, brand development and team management provides valuable leadership and vision for the company.
Jay also serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Schottenstein Stores Corporation. He currently is Chairman of the Board of DSW Inc., a leading footwear and accessories retailer, and previously held the position of Chief Executive Officer from 2005 to 2009.
Jennifer Foyle
Jen joined AEO in August 2010 and has been an instrumental force in Aerie’s successful expansion, leading growth from $225 million in 2014 to nearly $800 million in annual revenue in 2019. In September 2020, Jen was appointed Chief Creative Officer, AEO Inc., and in addition to her responsibilities as Aerie Global Brand President, Jen defines the strategic vision for both the American Eagle and Aerie brands and leads design, marketing and merchandising. Jen has more than 26 years of experience in the apparel retail industry. In 2014, Jen revolutionized the intimate apparel industry by bringing body positivity and inclusivity to the forefront with the power of #AerieREAL. This movement has been a game-changer for the Aerie business and for millions of women and girls who have been empowered to love their REAL selves inside and out. Throughout her tenure, Jen has assembled and developed a strong bench of talent at all levels and across functions.
In 2018, Jen was honored by AdWeek with a prestigious Brand Genius award, which recognizes exceptional talent, insight, creativity and bravery in business. Aerie’s commitment to body confidence and empowerment has also been recognized with Glossy’s Best Influencer Campaign in 2018, a Femmy Award in 2017, and the NEDA Inspires Award in 2015, among others. Jen began her career at Bloomingdales and held positions of increasing responsibility at Gap Inc. and J. Crew. Prior to joining Aerie in 2010 she was the President of the global lifestyle brand, Calypso St. Barth.
Fred Grover
Fred has been an integral member of AEO’s field, merchandising and direct business for more than 40 years. Fred began his career as an assistant store manager, and later joined and grew the merchant teams. Fred became Vice President and General Merchandise Manager in 1998 and Senior Vice President of Merchandising in 2001. In 2004, he was promoted to Executive Vice President – AE Direct and became Executive Vice President – AEO Inc. in 2011, with expanded responsibility to include brand merchandising. Fred’s steadfast leadership, and expertise across numerous segments of the business has helped to ensure that AEO remains an industry leader.
In 2018, Fred was appointed Executive Vice President – Special Projects. Fred also serves as President of the AEO Foundation, a role he has held since 2011.
Chad Kessler
Chad serves as the American Eagle Global Brand President and has led the evolution and expansion of the brand since joining AEO in 2014. Chad drove an updated platform for AE, which strengthened the emotional connection to the brand with pillars that celebrate individuality, youth empowerment, and self-expression. During his tenure, Chad has expanded AE’s product leadership resulting in a commanding market position for the brand, propelled by the growth of AE jeans.
Before joining AEO, Chad was Chief Merchandising Officer for Urban Outfitters. Prior, he held various merchandising roles at Abercrombie & Fitch, including a pivotal role in the development of the Hollister brand and eventually rising to EVP – Female Merchandising for all brands. Chad also previously served as SVP of Corporate Merchandising for Coach.
Mike Mathias
Mike first joined the company more than 20 years ago and has a deep knowledge of AEO’s stores and operations, in both finance and operational areas including e-commerce, store finance, Aerie planning, strategy and business development. He has held a number of roles with progressive levels of responsibility and oversight. Mike is a strategic leader with a unique and significant understanding of the company’s industry-leading business. His operational and financial expertise will be instrumental in driving AEO’s profitable growth. From 2017 – 2020, Mike served as AEO’s Senior Vice President - Financial Planning & Analysis. From 2016 to 2017, he departed AEO to serve as VP, Financial Planning and Analysis at General Nutrition Centers, Inc. Mike began his career at the May Company.
Andrew McLean
In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew oversees the AE and Aerie store teams and leads global expansion initiatives, including both company-owned and licensee stores across 25 countries. In addition, Andrew has direct responsibility for real estate, construction, retail operations, loss prevention, global brand delivery, international strategy and customer experience. As AEO strengthens the connection with its customers and broadens its global reach, he provides the expertise essential to grow all the AEO brands.
Andrew’s prior retail experience includes responsibility at a number of successful retailers, including Gap Inc., Liz Claiborne Inc. and URBN Urban Outfitters Inc.
Michael R. Rempell
Michael joined AEO in 1999 as a consultant to lead the implementation of our first allocation system and he officially joined the company in February 2000 to launch AE Direct. Since then, he has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Information Officer and Chief Supply Chain Officer. In Michael’s current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, he leads all aspects of Supply Chain including production, sourcing, logistics, and distribution. He also oversees Technology, Digital Commerce, and Corporate Strategy.
The depth of Michael’s experience and his dynamic leadership ensure that his teams deliver the product and experiences that allow AEO to remain at the forefront of retail.
Stacy Siegal
Stacy has more than 15 years of experience in the retail industry managing human resources, legal and business administration. Stacy joined AEO in 2016, and in her role as Executive Vice President – General Counsel, has responsibility for leading the legal function and providing strategic advice and guidance on all of the company’s legal matters, including corporate governance and compliance, securities regulation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial support, data security and privacy, executive compensation and benefits and litigation management. Additionally, she oversees all employment-related matters, philanthropy and internal communications. Stacy’s commitment to supporting AEO’s associates, and its values and culture, helps to drive the growth and development of an agile team and ensures that the company maintains a high degree of integrity in all of its operations.
Before joining AEO, Stacy was the Chief Legal and Administrative Officer for rue21. Prior, she served as Corporate Counsel for General Nutrition Companies, Inc.
Board of Directors
Jay L. Schottenstein
Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Sujatha Chandrasekaran
Independent Director
Chief Information Officer, Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Member of the Audit Committee
Suja has been a Director of the Company since March 2018. She has served as Chief Information Officer of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, one of the world’s leading consumer packaged goods businesses, since May 2016. Prior to that time, Suja served as Senior Vice President, Global Chief Technology and Chief Data Officer of Walmart Stores Inc. from January 2012 to February 2016 and as Senior Vice President, Global Chief Information Officer at The Timberland Company from January 2010 to January 2012. Prior, she held various C-level roles leading technology at PepsiCo and Nestle.
Suja holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Madras, India and a Master of Business Systems from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. She has executive development education from London Business School. With more than 25 years of experience in technology and leadership roles, Suja brings vast information and digital technology expertise and a wealth of leadership experience in the global retail and consumer industries to the Board.
Steven A. Davis
Independent Director
Member of the Audit Committee
Steven served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bob Evans Farms, Inc., an operator of nearly 500 family style restaurants in 18 states and a leading producer and distributor of refrigerated and frozen convenience food items, from 2006 to 2015. From 1993 to 2006, Steven held a variety of senior leadership roles at YUM! Brands, Inc., an operator of over 45,000 KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell restaurants in 140 countries and territories, including president of its Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food Restaurants. Steven holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. Steven’s experience as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bob Evans Farms and his leadership roles at YUM! Brands provide him with significant operational, marketing, retail and branding experience. He brings to the Board significant experience managing a network of branded retail locations with a focus on customer service.
Other Public Company Board Service: Steven also has served on the Board of Directors, Compensation and Organization Development Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of Marathon Petroleum Corporation since 2013. He has served on the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Technology and Environment Committee of PPG Industries Inc. since 2019, and on the Board of Directors and Audit and Risk Committee of Albertsons Companies, Inc. since 2015. Steven served as a director of Sonic Corp. from 2017 to 2018 until Sonic Corp. was acquired by Inspire Brands, Inc. and as a director of Walgreens Boots Alliance from 2009 to 2015.
Deborah A. Henretta
Independent Director
Member of the Audit Committee
Senior Director, G100
Deborah A. Henretta has been a Director of the Company since February 2019. Deborah serves as a Senior Advisor to G100, a C-Suite leadership, learning and development company. She retired from Proctor & Gamble, Co. (‘P&G’) in 2015. Throughout her 30 years at P&G, Deborah held various senior positions throughout several sectors, serving as Group President of Global e-Commerce, which included serving as Head of Global Beauty Care; Division President of Global Baby/Toddler & Adult Care; and Division Vice President of Fabric Conditioners and Bleach.
Deborah graduated summa cum laude from St. Bonaventure University with a BA in communications in 1983. She earned her MA in advertising research and teaching assistantship from Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1985.
Other Public Company Board Service: Deborah has served on the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Corporate Relations Committee of Corning, Inc. since 2013 and on the Board of Directors and Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee of Meritage Homes Corporation since 2016. She also has served on the Board of Directors, Compensation Committee, Environmental Safety and Sustainability Committee and Finance Committee of NiSource Inc. since 2015. Deborah was formerly on the Board of Directors of Staples, Inc. from 2016 to September 2017 when Staples was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity investor.
Thomas R. Ketteler
Independent Director
Member of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees
Tom has been a Director of the Company since February 2011. Prior to his retirement from SSC, a private company, in 2005, Tom served as Chief Operating Officer since 1995, as Executive Vice President of Finance and Treasurer from 1981, and as a director since 1985. Prior to SSC, he was a partner in the firm of Alexander Grant and Company, Certified Public Accountants. Tom currently provides consulting services to SSC and served as a consultant to the Board from 2003 until June 2010.
He holds a BA in Accounting from Thomas More College and is a Certified Public Accountant. Tom provides expertise in financial and accounting issues and his historical experience with the Company is invaluable to the Board.
Other Public Company Board Service: Tom previously served on the Company’s Board from 1994 to 2003 and on the Board of Directors and as Audit Committee Chair of Encompass Group, Inc. from 2007 to 2011.
Cary D. McMillan
Independent Director
True Partners Consulting, LLC
Chair of the Compensation Committee
Member of the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees
Cary has been a Director of the Company since June 2007. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of True Partners Consulting, LLC, a professional services firm providing tax and other financial services, since December 2005. From October 2001 to April 2004, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Sara Lee Branded Apparel. Cary served as Executive Vice President of Sara Lee Corporation, a branded consumer packaged goods company, from January 2000 to April 2004. From November 1999 to December 2001, he served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Sara Lee Corporation. Prior, Cary served as an audit partner with Arthur Andersen LLP.
He holds a BS from the University of Illinois and is a Certified Public Accountant. Cary brings to the Board demonstrated leadership abilities as a Chief Executive Officer and an understanding of business, both domestically and internationally. His experience as a former audit partner also provides him with extensive knowledge of financial and accounting issues. Cary’s service on other public boards also provides knowledge of best practices.
Other Public Company Board Service: Cary also serves on the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Finance Committee of Hyatt Corporation since 2013. He was formerly on the Board of Directors of McDonald’s Corporation from 2003 to May 2015, Hewitt Associates, Inc. from 2002 to 2010 and Sara Lee Corporation from 2000 to 2004.
Janice E. Page
Independent Director
Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Member of the Audit and Compensation Committees
Janice has served as a Director of the Company since June 2004. Prior to her retirement in 1997, Janice spent 27 years in apparel retailing holding numerous merchandising, marketing and operating positions with Sears Roebuck & Company,(“Sears”) including Group Vice President from 1992 to 1997. While at Sears, Janice oversaw men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, as well as athletic footwear and accessories, among other responsibilities.
She holds a BA from Pennsylvania State University. Ms. Page has extensive knowledge of the apparel retail industry and brings in-depth experience across diverse consumer product categories as well as retail operations. Her service on other public company boards allows her to provide the Board of Directors with a variety of perspectives on corporate governance issues.
Other Public Company Board Service: Janice served as a Director and Compensation Committee Chair of R.G. Barry Corporation from 2000 to 2014. She served as a Director and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair of Hampshire Group, Limited from 2009 to 2011. She was formerly on the Board of Kellwood Company and served on the Executive Committee and as Compensation Committee Chair from 2000 to 2008. Janice also served from 2001 to 2004 as Trustee of Glimcher Realty Trust.
David M. Sable
Independent Director
Member of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committee
Senior Advisor at WPP
Mr. Sable is an author, entrepreneur and social activist. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor to WPP plc, a multinational communications, advertising, public relations, technology, and commerce holding company (“WPP”), mentoring and consulting across the company. Previously he was Chairman of VMLY&R. He propelled Y&R to a top-five global creative firm at Cannes, developed new resources and practices, expanded the global footprint of subsidiary company VML, and ultimately helped unify Y&R and VML into VMLY&R. Prior to his time at Y&R, Mr. Sable served at Wunderman, Inc., a leading customer relationship manager and digital unit of WPP Group, as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, from August 2000 to February 2011. Mr. Sable was a Founding Partner and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Genesis Direct, Inc., a pioneer digital omni-channel retailer, from June 1996 to September 2000. Mr. Sable serves on the U.S. Fund for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF’s) National Board, is a past Chair of the Ad Council’s Board of Directors, is an executive board member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and sits on the International Board of the Special Olympics. A frequent keynote speaker and author, Mr. Sable is a designated LinkedIn Influencer, where he ranks among the most widely read business leaders in the world.
With more than 30 years of experience in digital leadership and marketing communications, Mr. Sable brings to the Board his strategic insight and ability to connect talent across marketing disciplines and geographies.
Noel J. Spiegel
Lead Independent Director
Chair of the Audit Committee
Member of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees
Noel has served as a Director of the Company since June 2011. He was a partner at Deloitte & Touche, LLP, where he practiced from September 1969 until his retirement in May 2010. In his over 40 year career at Deloitte, he served in numerous management positions, including as Deputy Managing Partner, member of the Executive Committee, Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Transaction Assurance practice, Global Offerings and IFRS practice and Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice (Northeast Region), and as Partner-in-Charge of Audit Operations in Deloitte’s New York Office.
He holds a BS from Long Island University and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Noel provides expertise in public company accounting, disclosure and financial system management to the Board and more specifically to the Audit Committee.
Other Public Company Board Service: Noel also has served on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of vTv Therapeutics Inc. since 2015 and on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, Credit Committee and Finance and Investment Committee of Radian Group, Inc. since 2011. He was formerly on the Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee of Vringo, Inc. from 2013 to 2016.