Aéropostale (New York) announced yesterday that former ceo Julian R. Geiger, who led the teen retailer through its greatest growth period, has rejoined the chain and will once again serve as chief executive officer. Geiger had returned to the board in May to help reverse a recent downturn in business. He succeeds Thomas P. Johnson, the company's ceo since 2010.
Women’s Wear Daily noted that Geiger’s return is part of a trend that “underscores the lack of talent and bench-strength in the retail sector…particularly in apparel.” Other retailers who have recently hired back former ceos include JCPenney (Mike Ullman returned in April 2013) and Express (Michael Weiss was recruited out of retirement in 2007).