American Eagle Outfitters names supply chain head, brand VP
American Eagle Outfitters Inc. is appointing two new executives in wake of the impending departure of its COO.
The specialty apparel retailer, whose COO Michael Rempell will leave the company in early fiscal 2024, has named Sarah Clarke executive VP - chief supply chain officer. She will be responsible for managing American Eagle Outfitters’ (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, as well as executive VP of supply – North America. She also held several supply chain leadership roles for usinesses within the PVH portfolio, including Calvin Klein North America and The Underwear Group.
Before joining PVH, she 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 CEO, effective Monday, Oct. 30., 2023
In addition, Valerie van Ogtrop will join AEO as executive VP - brand operations. In this newly created role, van Ogtrop will drive greater brand collaboration while helping promote growth and profitability across the company’s American Eagle and Aerie banners.
van Ogtrop joins AEO from J.Crew. where she most recently led the acceleration and expansion of Madewell as executive VP – brand operations, building on a number of leadership roles during her 19-year career at the company. She 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 VP - CFO, effective Oct. 30.
“Sarah and Valerie bring deep industry knowledge and proven capabilities that complement our organization and innovative culture,” said Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of the board and CEO of AEO. “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.”
American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) 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.