JCP rehires company veteran, scores latest court victory

NEW YORK — The revolving door continues to turn at Penney with the news that Ron Johnson-appointee Nick Wooster, SVP of product and design is out while company veteran Ken Mangone has returned to the fold.

Mangone, who left Penney last December after 35 years with the company, is returning to his previous post as EVP of product development, design and sourcing. His return is one of new CEO Myron Ullman’s first major moves in personnel.

Wooster, an outspoken fashion blogger and style-setter in men’s fashions, previously held positions with Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. He joined Penney in spring 2012, brought in to overhaul men’s clothing. But his edgy fashion-forward sensibilities, which included a penchant for European-cut or slimmer silhouettes, was considered an odd fit with Penney’s traditional customer base.

This latest shakeup follows Penney’s announcement late Thursday that COO Michael W. Kramer had left the company. In addition, the company also disclosed that Daniel Walker had resigned as the company’s chief talent officer. Their departures follow the resignation CEO Ron Johnson just two weeks ago and the appointment of former J.C. Penney CEO Myron Ullman as his replacement.

In other news, a New York judge on Thursday rejected a request by Macy's to block J.C. Penney from selling Martha Stewart goods under the "JCP Everyday" label for now, while it appeals a ruling allowing the sale. An order temporarily barring Martha Stewart from selling goods branded with her name at J.C. Penney's is still in place.

Justice Richard Andrias of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court in Manhattan rejected Macy's request for a temporary restraining order that sought to block Penney from selling the Martha Stewart goods without her name.