Aeropostale CEO Steps Down

NEW YORK (TheStreet) - Aeropostale's(ARO Quote) CEO, who made the teen retailer one of the most profitable amid the recession, will be stepping down.

Julian Geiger said on Thursday that he will resign from the position by the end of the fiscal year, but still plans to serve as chairman.

He will be replaced by Mindy Meads and Thomas Johnson, who will serve as co-chief executive officers.

Meads has served as president and chief merchandising manager since March 2007 and Johnson has held several positions at the company, including executive vice president and chief operation officer, since 2001.

Geiger has served as the company's CEO since 1996.

Under Geiger's guidance, Aeropostale has been able to beat out competitors like American Eagle Outfitters(AEO Quote) and Abercrombie & Fitch(ANF Quote) by offering trendy merchandise at wallet-friendly prices.

-- Reported by Jeanine Poggi in New York

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