Executive Chairman and CEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO)
As a widely respected entrepreneurial leader, Jay Schottenstein has driven innovation within the retail industry for more than four decades. He has built and grown numerous iconic brands through an unwavering commitment to quality, value and exceptional customer service.
Jay is currently Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO), serving as the company’s visionary leader since 1992. Under his guidance, AEO evolved from a single-brand retailer into a multi-brand global business. Jay continues to drive the growth of American Eagle as the preeminent destination for jeans, and the rapid expansion of Aerie as the fastest growing intimates and lifestyle brand.
His unparalleled acumen for business and his vast expertise across apparel merchandising, operations, retail, real estate and brand development has positioned multiple private and public companies for unprecedented success.
Alongside his work at AEO, Jay is Chairman and CEO of SB360 Capital Partners and Executive Chairman of Designer Brands, Inc., a leading footwear and accessories retailer, having previously served as CEO from 2005 to 2009. He is also Chairman of Schottenstein Stores Corp., founded by his grandfather more than a century ago, and Schottenstein Property Group.
Monday Jan 11
9:15am - 9:45am
For more than three decades, Jay Schottenstein has drivenhelped shape the evolution of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) from a single-brand retailer into a multi-brand, global powerhouse. As Executive Chairman of the Board and CEO and NRF’s 2027 Visionary Award recipient, Jay’s has built a legacy is defined by bold brand-building, disciplined execution and a sharp n acute focus on long-term profitable growth. Under his leadership, AEO launched industrycategory-defining brandsbusinesses likeincluding Aerie and OFFLINE, and , scaledtransformed American Eagle’sits denim franchise into a multibillion-dollar business, expanded into new brands and growth vehicles, and while consistently creating authentic connections with each new strengthened its connections with the next generation of consumers.
In this Main Stage conversation with NRF president and CEO, Matt Shay, Jay will reflect on histhe leadership principles, growth strategies and customer-first mindset that continue to have fueled AEO’s success through changing retail cycles. From brand relevance and marketing innovation to operational agility and shareholder value creation, hear how one of retail’s most influential leaders continues to fast- forward his business—, and the timelesswhat lessons every retailer can leverage to build an enduring enterprise.arn about building enduring enterprises in a rapidly evolving industry.
