# Jay Schottenstein

> Jay Schottenstein is the executive chairman and CEO of American Eagle Outfitters and executive chairman of Designer Brands. A Columbus-raised graduate of Indiana University, he joined the family furniture business in 1976, has chaired AEO since 1992, and has helped develop businesses spanning apparel, footwear, furniture and retail investment. He and his wife Jeanie established their philanthropic foundation in 1985.

- **Role:** Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
- **Organizations:** American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., Schottenstein Stores Corporation, Designer Brands, Inc., American Signature, Inc., SB360 Capital Partners, Schottenstein Property Group, Axxes Capital, Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Foundation, Mesorah Heritage Foundation
- **From:** Columbus, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in business, Indiana University Bloomington, Kelley School of Business
- **Known for:** Kelley School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows honoree, 2007., World Retail Hall of Fame inductee, 2024., Selected as NRF Visionary 2027, announced August 3, 2026.

## Career timeline

- **1976** — Graduated from Indiana University and joined the family furniture business.
- **1985** — Established the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein Foundation with his wife.
- **1992** — Became chairman and CEO of American Eagle Outfitters; first CEO tenure continued through 2002.
- **1994** — AEO completed its initial public offering.
- **1997** — American Eagle introduced signature denim during his first CEO tenure.
- **2005** — Became chairman and CEO of DSW; CEO tenure ended in April 2009.
- **2006** — Aerie launched nationwide during his continuing AEO chairmanship.
- **2014** — Returned as AEO CEO, initially on an interim basis.
- **2024** — Inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame.
- **2026** — Named the NRF Visionary 2027; presentation scheduled for January 2027.

## Achievements

- Kelley School of Business Academy of Alumni Fellows honoree, 2007.
- World Retail Hall of Fame inductee, 2024.
- Selected as NRF Visionary 2027, announced August 3, 2026.
- Led AEO during its evolution into a business exceeding $5 billion in annual revenue.
- Continued family support for the 73-volume Schottenstein English edition of the Babylonian Talmud, completed in 2005.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — AEO reported second-quarter revenue of $1.38 billion, up 8%; Aerie comparable sales rose 19% and American Eagle comparable sales fell 1%. Reported operating profit of $211 million included a $161 million net tariff-refund benefit.
- **2026-08** — NRF announced his selection as Visionary 2027. The award presentation is scheduled for January 10, 2027, followed by a January 11 fireside chat.

## Links

- Website: https://www.aeo-inc.com/leadership/jay-schottenstein/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-schottenstein
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpLr4tu1Y10sNWFa8TtoWtQ

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/jay-schottenstein
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21