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American Eagle names Ravi Thanawala as next CFO
Thanawala said his immediate focus would be ensuring an orderly leadership transition.
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Pranavi Sharma - Thu, 02, Jul 2026
- 02:30 EDT
- 30
Ravi Thanawala / American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters Inc. has appointed Indian-origin executive Ravi Thanawala as its next executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Aug. 3, as current CFO Mike Mathias transitions to a full-time nonexecutive strategic advisor role after 25 years with the company.
The leadership changes, announced July 2, will take effect Aug. 3. Mathias will work closely with Thanawala through the remainder of American Eagle Outfitters' fiscal 2026 to support the transition. He will also continue advising Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jay Schottenstein through July 30, 2027.
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Schottenstein praised Mathias' tenure with the company, highlighting his role in steering the retailer through a changing business environment.
"I want to extend my immense appreciation to Mike for his exceptional leadership and dedicated service," Schottenstein said.
He said Mathias, who began his career with the company in 1998 before returning in 2017, played a key role in strengthening the company's financial foundation after becoming CFO in 2020.
"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," Schottenstein said.
He also welcomed Thanawala to the executive leadership team.
"We are pleased to welcome Ravi Thanawala to the executive team," Schottenstein said. "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."
Mathias said he was proud of the company's progress during his time as CFO.
"I am incredibly proud of the financial and operational milestones we have achieved during my time as CFO," he said.
"I leave the finance function in highly capable hands, backed by the deep bench strength of our talented leaders, and I have full confidence in AEO's continued momentum in the marketplace as I support a smooth transition."
Thanawala said his immediate focus would be ensuring an orderly leadership transition.
"American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has been a premier specialty retailer for generations with longstanding market leadership, and I am honored to step into the role as CFO," he said.
"My immediate priority is working with Mike to ensure a seamless transition that maintains organizational momentum."
American Eagle Outfitters also reaffirmed its previously announced financial guidance for the second quarter and full fiscal year 2026.
Thanawala joined Papa John's International in 2023 as chief financial officer. He was appointed chief financial officer and president of North America in November 2025 after previously serving as interim chief executive officer in 2024. Before joining Papa John's, he held senior finance leadership positions at Nike Inc., including CFO of Nike North America, and earlier worked in finance and operations leadership roles at ANN Inc.
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