American Eagle Outfitters taps Aerie president for big new role

The force behind American Eagle Outfitters’ fast-growing intimates brand is taking on new responsibilities. 

The company announced that Jennifer Foyle has been promoted to chief creative officer, American Eagle Outfitters, effective immediately. In addition to her existing responsibilities as Aerie’s global brand president, Foyle’s expanded role includes oversight of merchandising, design and marketing for the American Eagle brand.

Foyle’s promotion was announced the same day that American Eagle Outfitters reported its second-quarter results. Aerie’s total sales rose 32% while revenue at the American Eagle brand fell 26%.

Foyle has more than 26 years of experience in the apparel retail industry and has led Aerie to nearly $800 million in annual revenue in 2019, delivering 21 consecutive quarters of double-digit sales growth, with consistent increases in profitability. The brand has grown into the second largest e-commerce intimates brand in the U.S., according to the NPD Group.

“Jen is a strategic brand visionary, with a proven ability to drive consistent profitable growth,” said Schottenstein. “She has led Aerie to incredible success, resulting in the quadrupling of sales and profits over the past five years. She brings passion, innovative thinking and an ability to infuse clear vision across product and marketing to create real connections with customers. In Aerie, we have one of the best brands in retail today, and I know Jen’s influence will be instrumental as we continue to drive our momentum and shape the future of American Eagle.”

Foyle 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.

Chad Kessler, American Eagle global brand president, will report to Foye, who will report to Jay Schottenstein.