Direct retail veteran Meads named co-CEO at Aeropostale

The executive shuffle announced September 24 by Aeropostale will put direct retail veteran Mindy Meads at the top of the company as its co-CEO.

The appointment will be effective when Julian Geiger, the current CEO of the teenager-focused specialty retailer, steps down at the end of this fiscal year. Geiger, Aeropostale's CEO since 1996, will continue as chairman of the board of directors. Upon Geiger's resignation, Thomas Johnson will also become co-CEO. The company's fiscal year closes at the end of next January.

Meads has served as Aeropostale's president and chief merchandising officer since March 2007. Prior to that, she was president and CEO of Victoria's Secret Direct from August 2006 to January 2007. From 1998 to 2005, she held various senior executive positions at Lands' End.

Johnson has served as EVP and COO at Aeropostale since March 2004. Prior to that, he was SVP and director of stores for the retailer. He has also held director of stores positions at Brooks Brothers and David's Bridal.

The company also named Michael Cunningham president and CFO, also effective when Geiger steps down.