Aeropostale Names New Co-Ceos

Mall-based specialty retailer Aeropostale announced a major change in its leadership. Julian R. Geiger resigned his position as ceo but continues as chairman of the company’s board of directors. Taking over as co-ceos will be Mindy Meads and Thomas P. Johnson.

Both know the company well. Meads served as president and chief merchandising officer since 2007. Johnson was executive vp and coo since 2004. Meads brings experience from other senior executive positions with Victoria’s Secrets Direct, Lands’ End Inc./Sears Holding and Gymboree Corp. Previous posts for Johnson, who has held various senior executive positions at Aeropostale, include director of stores for David’s Bridal and senior vp and director of stores for Brooks Brothers.

Also part of the new leadership team is Michael J. Cunningham. Executive vp and cfo of Aeropostale since 2004, Cunningham will take over as president and cfo.

It’s not a bad time to be moving into the corner offices. Aeropostale’s year-to-date total net sales jumped 20 percent to $1.1 billion from $921 million for the same period in 2008. Same store sales increased 11 percent year-to-date, holding even with last year.