American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has appointed two executive leaders to replace COO Michael Rempell following his previously announced departure. Former PVH and Gap executive Sarah Clarke has been named Chief Supply Chain Officer, and J.Crew veteran Valerie van Ogtrop will join AEO in the newly created role of EVP of Brand Operations, both effective Oct. 30, 2023.
Clarke joins AEO from PVH Corporation where she served as Global Chief Supply Chain Officer from 2021. Prior to that she was EVP of Supply, North America at PVH 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. In her new role as EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer at AEO, Clarke will be responsible for managing AEO’s global supply chain from sourcing through distribution.
Van Ogtrop joins AEO from J.Crew, where she most recently led the acceleration and profitable expansion of Madewell as EVP of Brand Operations, building on a number of leadership roles during her 19-year career at the company. In the new role of EVP of Brand Operations at AEO, van Ogtrop will drive greater brand collaboration while fueling growth and profitability across American Eagle and Aerie. She will have full accountability for AEO store operations across the U.S. and Canada, as well as brand finance and strategy and merchandise planning.
“Sarah and Valerie bring deep industry knowledge and proven capabilities that complement our organization and innovative culture,” said Jay Schottenstein, Executive Chairman and CEO of AEO in a statement. “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.”
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