J.C. Penney makes changes to executive team; announces open positions
Changes are afoot at J.C. Penney as its new CEO starts to put her stamp on the company.
On Tuesday, the retailer named two new executive hires and also announced a list of open positions within the company’s leadership ranks.
Mike Robbins, executive VP of private brands and supply chain at Penney, has been named executive VP, chief stores and supply chain officer, effective Jan. 21. Robbins, who came to Penney in 2015 from Target, will now be responsible for all stores, supply chain and sourcing operations. With a broad focus on the customer experience and ensuring timely and innovative product delivery, Robbins will continue to oversee product design and development until a new chief merchant has been identified.
Additionally, Truett Horne, currently an associate principal at McKinsey & Company, will join the retailer as chief transformation officer. He will have primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the company’s strategic and transformational initiatives.
“These executive changes reflect the strength and depth of each leader’s responsibilities, and their enormous potential to drive change aligned with our customer’s needs and expectations,” said CEO Jill Soltau, who took the reins at Penney in October. “By appointing and recruiting the right leaders who have the expertise and fortitude to accelerate a turnaround strategy, our senior executive team will play an instrumental role in energizing teams, connecting with our customers and positioning J.C. Penney for profitable growth.”
Penney, which was hit with a series of management resignations in the wake of CEO Marvin Ellison’s departure for Lowe’s in July, said its search for a CFO is well underway and that it has identified “many compelling candidates.”
In addition, the company said it is seeking to fill key senior management positions and address current business needs as it undergoes a “leadership transition” within the following areas:
• A chief merchant search is well underway to lead the company’s merchandising initiatives across all merchandise categories. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving revenue and profit through authoritative assortments as well as leading the strategic positioning, development and design of its private brand portfolio.
• A chief customer officer is being sought to drive aggressive customer-centric strategies to grow traffic, engagement and retention of its customer. The role will revitalize the Penney’s brand, lead marketing initiatives across all channels, shape the company’s messaging and deliver an outstanding digital experience and increased customer loyalty.
• A senior VP of planning and allocation search is underway to lead the company’s process for setting and maintaining future performance goals for sales, inventory and merchandise replenishment, while simultaneously anticipating sales trends and shopper demand for sought-after merchandise.
A principal accounting officer will be hired to oversee accounting functions, as well as serve as the lead controller. Andrew Drexler, senior VP, chief accounting officer and controller, will leave the company effective March 31.
On Tuesday, the retailer named two new executive hires and also announced a list of open positions within the company’s leadership ranks.
Mike Robbins, executive VP of private brands and supply chain at Penney, has been named executive VP, chief stores and supply chain officer, effective Jan. 21. Robbins, who came to Penney in 2015 from Target, will now be responsible for all stores, supply chain and sourcing operations. With a broad focus on the customer experience and ensuring timely and innovative product delivery, Robbins will continue to oversee product design and development until a new chief merchant has been identified.
Additionally, Truett Horne, currently an associate principal at McKinsey & Company, will join the retailer as chief transformation officer. He will have primary responsibility for the development and implementation of the company’s strategic and transformational initiatives.
“These executive changes reflect the strength and depth of each leader’s responsibilities, and their enormous potential to drive change aligned with our customer’s needs and expectations,” said CEO Jill Soltau, who took the reins at Penney in October. “By appointing and recruiting the right leaders who have the expertise and fortitude to accelerate a turnaround strategy, our senior executive team will play an instrumental role in energizing teams, connecting with our customers and positioning J.C. Penney for profitable growth.”
Penney, which was hit with a series of management resignations in the wake of CEO Marvin Ellison’s departure for Lowe’s in July, said its search for a CFO is well underway and that it has identified “many compelling candidates.”
In addition, the company said it is seeking to fill key senior management positions and address current business needs as it undergoes a “leadership transition” within the following areas:
• A chief merchant search is well underway to lead the company’s merchandising initiatives across all merchandise categories. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving revenue and profit through authoritative assortments as well as leading the strategic positioning, development and design of its private brand portfolio.
• A chief customer officer is being sought to drive aggressive customer-centric strategies to grow traffic, engagement and retention of its customer. The role will revitalize the Penney’s brand, lead marketing initiatives across all channels, shape the company’s messaging and deliver an outstanding digital experience and increased customer loyalty.
• A senior VP of planning and allocation search is underway to lead the company’s process for setting and maintaining future performance goals for sales, inventory and merchandise replenishment, while simultaneously anticipating sales trends and shopper demand for sought-after merchandise.
A principal accounting officer will be hired to oversee accounting functions, as well as serve as the lead controller. Andrew Drexler, senior VP, chief accounting officer and controller, will leave the company effective March 31.