American Eagle Outfitters Inc. has given Susan McGalla a vote of confidence, promoting the longtime company executive to president and chief merchandising officer over all of the retailer's brands, including the new Martin + Osa concept aimed at giving the Marshall teen retailer access to an older clientele.

Answering to Ms. McGalla, who had been president and chief merchandising officer for just the flagship American Eagle brands, will be Laura Dubin Wander, who has been tapped as president of the fledging Martin + Osa project. She most recently was president of Liz Claiborne Inc. divisions Dana Buchman and Laundry by Shelli Segal.

The industry will be watching to see whether the new management structure can add momentum to the project that opened its first store in September -- and not long after saw its first president, Ken Pilot, resign to pursue other opportunities. Vice Chairman Roger Markfield took over the duties on an interim basis.

Although some other retailers have abandoned efforts to target older audiences, American Eagle officials are going ahead with plans to open 12 new Martin + Osa locations this fiscal year. The goal is to build the chain into a $1 billion brand serving men and women in the 25- to 40-year-old age group.

While the majority of Ms. McGalla's time will continue to be on the company's core brand, Henry Stafford will take on more duties as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for the American Eagle brand. He had led the men's business.

Betsy Schumacher led the launch of the retailer's underwear line called aerie and has been named senior vice president and chief merchandising officer for the intimates line. Kathy Savitt, who headed marketing for the American Eagle brand, will assume the title of executive vice president and chief marketing officer and also be responsible for the online business for all of the company's brands.