American Eagle Outfitters is launching an agency review and seeking its first global agency of record.
It's a big step for Pittsburgh-based company, which has been around since 1977 and has historically worked with agencies on a project basis. With its new approach to partnering with agencies, American Eagle wants a single global shop to handle creative, media and digital work with a focus on six major global markets: the U.S., Japan, Russia, China, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
The changes come as American Eagle has hired longtime Levi's exec Robert Hanson to serve as its new CEO. Mr. Hanson, 48, succeeds retiring CEO Jim O' Donnell, and brings to his new role more than 20 years of experience working on the Levi's brand. Most recently he served as global president leading a $3.5 billion business across retail, eCommerce and wholesale channels in the Americas, Europe and Asia.