AEO Inc. Announces Key Appointments as Part of Previously Announced COO Transition

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) today announced 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. Sarah is a strategic business leader with extensive experience in supply chain management across several large-scale, multi-brand retail organizations. She joins AEO from PVH Corporation, where she held the role of Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, driving operational excellence and strong commercial results. Sarah 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. Valerie 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.

Valerie 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,” commented Jay Schottenstein, Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

As previously announced, Michael Rempell is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. Michael has been a tremendous asset to the company. His visionary leadership and bench strength within his organization leaves AEO with a strong foundation to build upon.

About Sarah Clarke

Sarah Clarke served as the Global Chief Supply Chain Officer at PVH Corporation from 2021 to 2023. Prior to that she was Executive Vice President of Supply - North America from 2020 to 2021, building on an extensive tenure across several supply chain leadership roles for key businesses within the PVH portfolio, including Calvin Klein North America and The Underwear Group from 2013 to 2020. Before joining PVH, Sarah held various leadership roles at Gap Inc. across sourcing, merchandising, supply chain strategy and global production for the company’s brands. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Politics from the University of York, England and completed the Global Leadership Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

About Valerie van Ogtrop

Valerie van Ogtrop served as Executive Vice President - Brand Operations at Madewell from 2015 to 2023. Prior to that, she was Executive Vice President - Planning and Allocation at J.Crew, building on multiple planning and allocation leadership roles at the company from 2004 to 2015. Before joining J.Crew, Valerie was Senior Director of Planning at Gap Inc. from 1996 to 2003. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics from James Madison University.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle^® and Aerie^® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and Japan, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 260 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. To learn more about AEO and the company’s commitment to Planet, People and Practices, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.