“I am incredibly excited to welcome Stephanie to AEO’s Board of Directors. With over three decades of brand-building experience as an executive leader and board member across a number of enduring businesses, Stephanie is a proven strategist, operator and adviser,” commented Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Stephanie’s appointment further augments what is already a highly qualified, world-class Board of Directors. Her passion for innovation and ability to build highly-successful consumer-centric omni-channel brands will be invaluable as we execute on our powering profitable growth plan and driving long-term shareholder returns.”

Ms. Pugliese served as President of the Americas at Under Armour Inc. from 2019 to 2023. Prior to that, she spent eleven years at Duluth Holdings, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member from 2015 to 2019. She led Duluth Holdings through its initial public offering in 2015. Leading up to this role, Ms. Pugliese held executive and senior positions across various functions at the company as President and Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer and Vice President of Product Development and Merchandising. She spent her early career as a Vice President and General Merchandise Manager at Lands’ End, Inc., and Vice President of Merchandising at Ann Inc.

Ms. Pugliese currently serves as an independent Board member of Fortune Brands Innovations and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle.

Ms. Pugliese holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from New York University Stern School of Business.

Note: The content of this press release has not been edited by Fibre2Fashion staff.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)