E.A. Hughes, a Division of Solomon Page, Fills Board Position for American Eagle Outfitters
August 14, 2024 – E.A. Hughes & Co., a division of Solomon Page specializing in retail and consumer-focused executive search, has partnered with American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. to identify and place Stephanie Pugliese on its board of directors. Managing director Elaine Hughes spearheaded the search with a personalized approach, tailored to meet the specific needs of American Eagle Outfitters. Her strategy focused on understanding the company’s unique culture and technical requirements. The team at E.A. Hughes utilized a combination of behavioral interviews, in-depth screenings, and a robust competency-based framework to evaluate potential candidates. “Utilizing this comprehensive method ensured a precise assessment of each candidate’s capabilities and cultural alignment with American Eagle Outfitters,” the firm said. “As a result of this rigorous process, the team identified Stephanie Pugliese, whose extensive experience and outstanding reputation within the industry made her the ideal fit. “
“It has been a privilege to represent American Eagle Outfitters in the search for an additional board director and to ultimately recruit such an outstanding executive as Stephanie Pugliese,” said Ms. Hughes. “Stephanie has distinguished herself throughout her career as a leader and a great merchant. I am grateful to Jay Schottenstein and the American Eagle Outfitters board for partnering with me on the successful conclusion of this project, and I anticipate Stephanie’s participation on the board to be significant.”
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Stephanie to American Eagle Outfitters’ board of directors,” said Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman of the board and CEO. 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. 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 11 years at Duluth Holdings, most recently serving as president and CEO 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.
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American Eagle Outfitters is a global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products under its American Eagle and Aerie brands. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Hong Kong and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 300 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries.
Serving Clients Since 1991
Founded in 1991 by Ms. Hughes, E.A. Hughes & Co. focuses on retail and consumer executive search. The firm serves clients in the retail and consumer apparel, home furnishings, beauty, digital, E-commerce, footwear, and other industries. E.A. Hughes is headquartered in New York City. In 2019, the firm was acquired by Solomon Page. “Elaine has influenced the careers of many senior executives in retail and fashion and advocated for women in the industry by example and involvement in many organizations during the past three decades,” said Sue Lamoreaux, managing director at Solomon Page, at the time.
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Ms. Hughes is a search professional in the consumer products executive search industry. For 25 years, the largest retailers and consumer products companies have turned to her to find senior leaders. Her credentials include years of experience both on the inside and on the consulting/executive search side of the industry.
Founded in 1990, Solomon Page is a specialty niche provider of recruitment and executive search solutions across a wide array of functions and industries. Lloyd Solomon and Scott Page are the firm’s co-founders and managing directors.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
