WARRENDALE, Pa., Nov 13, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Eagle Outfitters,
Inc. (Nasdaq:AEOS) today announced the appointment of Michael Leedy as Executive
Vice President of Strategic Planning. Mr. Leedy joined American Eagle Outfitters
in 1995 and most recently was Executive Vice President of Marketing. In addition
to his strategic planning responsibilities, Mr. Leedy will continue to oversee
the e-commerce business. This newly created position will focus on strategic
long-term growth and profit initiatives for the company, including business
extensions, new concepts and organizational and operational processes. Mr. Leedy
will report to Jim O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle
Outfitters.
American Eagle Outfitters also appointed Michael Tam as Executive Vice President
of Marketing. Mr. Tam previously served in a variety of Senior Merchandising and
Marketing roles with Nordstroms, Starbucks and McDonalds. Mr. Tam's career began
with Leo Burnett, USA, Chicago, following the completion of his Masters of
Management Degree from J.L. Kellogg Graduate School. Mr. Tam will report to
Roger Markfield, Vice Chairman and President of American Eagle Outfitters.
Jim O'Donnell commented, "Michael Leedy has been an integral member of the team
that has defined and significantly grown the brand over the past eight years. He
is a strategically creative thinker and will incorporate his wealth of AE
knowledge in leading a disciplined approach to the next decade of growth for our
company. Michael Tam understands brand building through his balanced experience
of twenty-five years with a respected agency and international brands. His track
record and proven ability to position brands globally will be of great value in
the future marketing of the American Eagle brand. Michael Leedy has done a nice
job of transitioning his marketing role to Michael Tam and can now partner with
me in thoughtfully charting our future. It is a pleasure to recognize Michael
Leedy's accomplishments with this new challenge and to further strengthen our
leadership team with the addition of Michael Tam."
American Eagle Outfitters (Nasdaq:AEOS) is a leading lifestyle retailer that
designs, markets, and sells its own brand of casual, fashion-right clothing for
15-25 year olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's
collection includes modern basics like jeans, surplus, and graphic Ts as well as
a stylish assortment of cool accessories, outerwear, footwear and swimwear. AE's
Canadian subsidiary, Bluenotes/Thriftys, targets a slightly younger demographic,
offering a more urban/suburban, denim-driven collection for 12 to 22 year-olds.
American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 739 AE stores in 49 states and the
District of Columbia, 64 AE stores in Canada, and 111 Bluenotes/Thriftys stores
in Canada. AE also operates via its internet business, ae.com.
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters
CONTACT: American Eagle Outfitters
Laura Weil or Judy Meehan, 724-776-4857