American Eagle Outfitters has appointed former Nike executive Ravi Thanawala as the next chief financial officer, effective on 3 August.
He brings years of experience to the role in senior positions at international retailers and major FMCG businesses.
Prior to his appointment, he served as the CFO and president, North America, of Papa John’s since 2024 and also served as an interim CEO.
Thanawala said: “American Eagle Outfitters has been a premier speciality retailer for generations with longstanding market leadership, and I am honored to step into the role as CFO.
“I have long admired AEO’s powerful portfolio of beloved lifestyle brands, including American Eagle and Aerie, as well as the disciplined financial foundation and strong operational framework the team has established.
“My immediate priority is working with Mike to ensure a seamless transition that maintains organizational momentum.”
The current CFO and executive vice president, Mike Mathias, will transition into serving as a full-time non-executive strategic advisor to the CEO.
The two will work alongside each other to ensure a smooth transition through the remainder of AEO’s 2026 fiscal year.
As part of the new role, he will work on maintaining the company’s financial discipline and unlocking new methods for profitable growth.
Jay Schottenstein, CEO of American Eagle Outfitters said: “Mike’s financial expertise and strategic foresight have been instrumental in strengthening the foundation of our business, driving long-term value and positioning AEO for a bright future.
“We are pleased to welcome Ravi Thanawala to the executive team. His extensive retail background, dynamic leadership style, and proven track record of delivering operational excellence for consumer-facing brands will position us well for long-term success.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
