JCPenney chief merchant named to board

PLANO, Texas JCPenney has announced that president and chief merchandising officer Ken Hicks has been named to the company’s board of directors.

Hicks, was named president and chief merchandising officer in 2005, after joining the company in 2002 as president and coo of JCPenney stores and merchandise operations. Before joining JCPenney, he was president of Payless ShoeSource, (now known as Collective Brands), from 1999 to 2002, where he oversaw all operations related to its 4,900 stores in seven countries.

Myron Ullman, III, chairman and ceo of JCPenney said, “Ken Hicks has generated deep respect across our company and our industry for his operational talent and merchandising expertise as well as his intelligence and integrity. Among his many achievements at JCPenney is spearheading our merchandise improvement initiatives to ensure that we are delivering fresh and exciting assortments to our customers every time they shop with us. The board joins me in welcoming Ken, and looks forward to his contributions as we continue to position JCPenney within the current environment and deliver increased value to our shareholders over the long term.”