McGalla Named Wet Seal's CEO
Susan P. McGalla, American Eagle Outfitters Inc.’s president and chief merchandising officer, was named The Wet Seal Inc.’s new chief executive on Jan. 11. She starts her new job on Jan. 18.
McGalla replaces Ed Thomas, who is resigning after more than three years on the job at the Foothill Ranch, Calif.–based company, which runs a fleet of 425 Wet Seal stores and 78 Arden B stores. Thomas announced in July he would be resigning from the juniors and contemporary-apparel retailer.
McGalla said Wet Seal was well-positioned to ride an improving economy. “The company has tremendous growth potential and the financial strength to execute its growth and other business strategies,” she said in a prepared statement.
McGalla led a portfolio of several brands at Pittsburgh-based American Eagle. The brands ranged from children’s and teens to young contemporary. The company now has 1,100 stores and $3 billion in annual revenues.—Andrew Asch
