By Jules Polonetsky

When American Eagle Outfitters launched its “Great Jeans, Great Genes” campaign this summer, it kicked off a fair amount of controversy. The ad, featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, playfully declared that “genes are passed down from parent to offspring … my jeans are blue.”

Some took offense at the pun as relating to eugenics; others mocked those who may have taken offense. Jay Schottenstein, the observant Jewish businessman who serves as executive chairman and CEO of American Eagle, emphasized that he would never have approved a campaign he found offensive. In the end, the campaign was a huge marketing success, driving record sales.

Schottenstein is no stranger to media attention, as both a public company CEO and as a leading Jewish philanthropist. From the Schottenst

See Full Page