Thanawala steps into the role as Mike Mathias transitions to a non-executive strategic adviser for CEO Jay Schottenstein. This handover period is scheduled to last until July 2027, with Mathias providing continuity support for the remainder of the 2026 fiscal year. Before his recent tenure at the pizza chain, Thanawala spent three years guiding the financial operations for Nike North.

Despite the executive shuffle, the company’s internal projections remain unchanged. Management reaffirmed the second-quarter and full-year guidance originally issued on May 28, signaling confidence in the current performance of the American Eagle and Aerie brands.