J.C. Penney expands marketing team with four new VPs

J.C. Penney Company continues to remake its leadership team under the leadership of CEO Jill Soltau, naming six new VPs.

The struggling retailer named Wendy Santana as VP of business development, responsible for identifying and overseeing partnerships and strategic business initiatives. She joins Penney after 20 years at Li & Fung – LF Americas/Oxford Collections, where she most recently served as executive VP. 

In the marketing area, Penney named Jill Feldman as VP of marketing, and Roger Worak, as VP of customer engagement and insights. Feldman spent 11 years at Famous Footwear, most recently as VP, marketing and brand strategy. Worak joins Penney from Front Burner Brands, where he was VP of digital engagement following his role as senior director of digital marketing, CRM, and loyalty at Hard Rock International

Also, Dan Matarelli was tapped as VP of digital marketing. Most recently, he served as director of digital marketing at Sprouts Farmers Market. And in a role announced in October, Robin Beuthin was named VP of creative marketing. Beuthin joined Penney from The Walt Disney Company, where she was VP of retail brand and creative.

In other appointments, Jeff Csuy was named as VP of merchandise strategy and operations. He joins Penney from Joann Stores, where he most recently served as senior VP, merchandising for sewing, everyday home, education, and services. Csuy reports to Michelle Wlazlo, executive VP and chief merchant. 

“We continue to build a strong and talented team of leaders at J.C. Penney who will champion us through our Plan for Renewal,” said Soltau. “These appointments ensure we are set up for success as we work tirelessly to drive traffic, fuel growth, and provide our customers with compelling merchandise and engaging, shared experiences at every touchpoint.”