NRF Names The Visionary Honoree for 2027

American Eagle Outfitters Inc.’s Jay Schottenstein has been named recipient of the NRF Foundation’s latest The Visionary Award. Schottenstein, Executive Chairman and CEO of the Pittsburgh-based apparel/intimates retailer, will be honored at a banquet during the retail group’s “Big Show” next January in New York.

“Jay Schottenstein’s leadership has been instrumental in building AEO into the influential, multi-brand powerhouse it is today,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “His vision has guided AEO through decades of growth and change, helping to make the retailer a leader in denim, intimates and the specialty apparel space. His experience across merchandising, operations and brand building, along with his steadfast commitment to quality, value and customer service, have been central to the company’s enduring success and created a foundation for continued growth.”

Under Schottenstein’s guidance, the NRF Foundation said in a news release, “AEO has evolved from a single-brand retailer into a more than $5 billion multi-brand global business. He continues to drive American Eagle’s growth as the preeminent destination for jeans, while rapidly expanding Aerie as the fastest-growing intimates and lifestyle brand. Under his leadership, the company also prioritizes community impact by supporting a range of causes through the AE Foundation, the Aerie Real Foundation and the AEO Better World Foundation, which includes a $10 million endowment.”

Said Schottenstein: “It is a profound honor to be recognized as a NRF Visionary, which is a testament to the strength and spirit of AEO and our associates. Leading our iconic brands through decades of growth — and working alongside the most remarkable team in the business — has truly been the privilege of my career.

“Having spent my entire life in retail, this industry has shaped who I am, and I’m incredibly proud of all we have achieved together. We have navigated shifting market landscapes and periods of change, yet our commitment to excellence and serving our customers has never wavered. AEO is a very special company with a deeply rich heritage, and as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2027, I am certain our most exciting chapters are yet to come.”

AEO currently consists of roughly 1500 stores operating mainly under the American Eagle and Aerie brands. In addition to working at AEO, Schottenstein serves as Chairman and CEO of SB360 Capital Partners and Executive Chairman of Designer Brands Inc., where he served as CEO from 2005 to 2009. He is also Chairman of Schottenstein Property Group and Schottenstein Stores Corp. — founded by his grandfather more than a century ago.

Previous recipients of The Visionary award include Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz; Tommy Hilfiger Founder and Principal Designer Tommy Hilfiger; Dick’s Sporting Goods Executive Chairman Ed Stack; Lowe’s Chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison; Target Corp. Executive Chairman Brian Cornell; former Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass; Nike Executive Chairman Mark Parker; former Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon; and former Levi Strauss & Co. President and CEO Chip Bergh.

Since 2015, the NRF Foundation Honors has raised funds to support the NRF Foundation’s work highlighting retail as an industry of opportunity and providing resources to prepare people for life-changing careers.