Leadership and Management

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has quite an impressive leadership team for their company. Jay L. Schottenstein is the executive chairman and chief executive officer (CEO). He holds similar titles at other large companies as well as being a chairman on the board of directors at many of those companies. Michael R. Rempell is the chief operations officer (COO) and one of the executive Vice Presidents. Robert L. Madore is the chief financial officer (CFO) and another executive Vice President. Before working at AEO, Mr. Madore was employed as the CFO and senior Vice President by Ralph Lauren Corporation. The chief marketing officer (CMO) of AEO is currently Kyle Andrew, who also works as an additional executive Vice President. Colin Bodell has been named chief technology officer (CTO) as well as executive Vice President (American Eagle Outfitters Inc., n.d.). 

AEO is an amazing company with many opportunities, but just like any other company, there are some challenges that accompany management. AEO’s strategic planning is very well thought out, as it should be for a company that was created in 1977. Their mission statement is very informative for why AEO exists, and the core values clearly state what the beliefs of the company are. AEO is always working to advocate and assist causes they find important. That is why they established the American Eagle Outfitters Foundation in 1999. Through this organization, they strive to create positive change in areas that are important to them. They work to help education, environmental conservation, and young women’s health. Three main charities they support are Teach For America, The Student Conservation Association, and Bright Pink. AEO’s long-term strategic plan includes fortifying the core brands, growing the North American presence, and transforming AEO from a leading domestic teen retailer into a distinctive branded, multi-channel business that can successfully and profitably compete on a global stage. 

Teamwork is one of AEO’s core values, so, naturally, it is a very important aspect of the company’s functions and environment. Their employees work together by listening to everyone, reaching a consensus, and supporting group decisions. Teamwork is successful in AEO’s company because they respect and trust one another and are committed to the company goals. As shown above, AEO has an efficiently structured organizational chart for upper management. Communication and teamwork go hand in hand. A group cannot effectively work together as a team if they do not have effective communication skills. Just like any company as large as AEO, communication can be a challenge. There are over 40,000 people employed throughout the entire company. AEO has a democratic leadership style. Final decisions are made by the board of directors, but they ask for input from subordinates (Job Opportunities, n.d.)

In order to recruit top talent, AEO has an easy-to-follow online application. The process begins with creating a profile. The next step is to upload a resume or manually fill out an online submission manually. There is also the option to import a profile from a third-party service, such as linkedin. After uploading a resume, the applicant must enter the requested personal information including name, address, employment preferences, and schedule. Then the applicant is asked to provide education and work experience, as well as certifications that might be important for the job the applicant is applying to. The prospective employee is asked for their work preferences such as job field, location, and organization. Once the application is submitted, the applicant is able to apply to available jobs on AEO’s job website. On the job website, there is a section dedicated to “Who We Are,” where it is discussed what they strive to do as a company and what is important to them. It is explained that “We strive to be an employer of choice - a place where people are excited to come to work because they believe in what we do, enjoy working with each other, and have fun doing it” (Job Opportunities, n.d.)

AEO has many benefits for employees in order to motivate them to stay and to work hard for the company. There are health benefits provided, which include medical and prescription drug plans, healthcare savings account eligible plans, health reimbursement account plans, telemedicine, and dental and vision insurance. They also provide resources for employees’ well-beings like employee assistance program, AEO well-being programs, fitness club and gym discounts, onsite gyms and fitness classes, and a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies program. Paid time off is offered for many employees as well as company holidays and parental leave. The allow new dependent leaves of absence and military leaves of absence. There are many financial benefits offered such as life and disability benefits, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase plan, will preparation services, and tuition reimbursement. They recognize employees’ efforts through service awards, incentive programs for store associates, and awards for exceptional achievement. There are also some extra benefits including pet insurance, mortgage assistance program, merchandise discounts, and sample sales (Benefits, n.d.).