American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has made significant executive appointments in response to the departure of Michael Rempell, the company’s EVP and Chief Operations Officer.
AEO, headquartered in Pittsburgh, has named Sarah Clarke as the new EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer. In her role, Clarke will oversee AEO’s global supply chain operations, encompassing everything from sourcing to distribution. With extensive experience in the field, she previously served as the Global Chief Supply Chain Officer at PVH Corporation.
Effective October 30, Sarah Clarke will report directly to Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Concurrently, AEO introduces Valerie van Ogtrop as the EVP for Brand Operations, a newly created position with the aim of enhancing brand collaboration and driving growth and profitability for American Eagle and Aerie brands. Van Ogtrop, with a background at J.Crew and most recently serving as EVP President of Brand Operations at Madewell, will have comprehensive responsibility for AEO’s store operations across the U.S. and Canada, brand finance and strategy, and merchandise planning. Her dual reporting structure will involve Jennifer Foyle, President and Executive Creative Director for AE and Aerie, as well as Mike Mathias, EVP and Chief Financial Officer.
Jay Schottenstein, CEO and Executive Chairman of AEO, expressed his confidence in these new appointments, stating, «Sarah and Valerie bring deep industry knowledge and proven capabilities that complement our organization and innovative culture. As we chart out AEO’s next chapter and hone our focus on profitable growth, I am confident we have the right talent and performance-driven mindset across our teams to drive long-term success.»
This leadership reconfiguration follows the resignation of Michael Rempell from his role as Chief Operating Officer of AEO in August earlier this year.