Avery Dennison names Hicks to board

PASADENA, Calif. Avery Dennison has announced that its board of directors has elected Ken Hicks as a director of the company. Hicks is president and chief merchandising officer of JCPenney Co. He is responsible for JCPenney's merchandising, marketing, product development and sourcing, planning and allocation for stores, Internet and catalog.

"Ken Hicks is an excellent addition to our board of directors," said Dean Scarborough, president and ceo of Avery Dennison. "He is a seasoned executive with extensive merchandising and operational expertise and excellent leadership skills. Ken has produced an outstanding record in the retail industry where he has increased sales and improved margins throughout his 20-year career. He will offer us significant insights into merchandising, marketing and branding."

Hicks joined JCPenney in 2002 as president and coo and was appointed to his current position in 2005. Previously, he was president of Payless ShoeSource and evp and general merchandise manager of the Home Shopping Network. Hicks has also held a number of senior merchandise positions at May Department Stores and was senior engagement manager at McKinsey & Co.