Pittsburgh, Pa. — American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has named the appointment of two executive leaders following the previously announced departure of the company’s executive vice president – chief operations officer, Michael Rempell.
Sarah Clarke has been named executive vice president – chief supply chain officer and will be responsible for managing AEO’s global supply chain from sourcing through distribution. Clarke joins AEO from PVH Corporation, where she held the role of global chief supply chain officer. Before joining PVH, Clarke held various leadership roles at Gap Inc. across sourcing, merchandising, supply chain strategy and global production for the company’s brands. She will report to Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and chief executive officer, effective October 30.
Valerie van Ogtrop will join AEO as executive vice president – brand operations, a newly created role, designed to drive greater brand collaboration while fueling growth and profitability across American Eagle and Aerie. She joins AEO from J.Crew where she most recently led the acceleration and profitable expansion of Madewell as executive vice president – brand operations, building on a number of leadership roles during her 19-year career at the company. Before J.Crew, van Ogtrop was senior director of planning at Gap Inc. from 1996 to 2003.
Van Ogtrop will have full accountability for AEO store operations across the U.S. and Canada, brand finance and strategy and merchandise planning, with dual reporting into Jennifer Foyle, president, executive creative director – AE and Aerie, and Mike Mathias, executive vice president – chief financial officer, effective October 30.
“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,” says Schottenstein.
As previously announced, former COO Michael Rempell is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer that operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and Japan. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 260 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. For more information, visit www.aeo-inc.com.
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.