JCPenney restructures leadership
PLANO, Texas JCPenney announced that Michael Theilmann and Thomas Nealon, have been named group EVPs of the company, each assuming expanded operational responsibilities.
Under this new senior operating leadership structure, Theilmann will take on responsibility for the company’s stores organization, as well as have continued leadership of supply chain, human resources and administration. Nealon will now oversee JCPenney’s robust Internet site, jcp.com, in addition to his current responsibility for IT, corporate strategy and JCPenney’s digital ventures organization, which is charged with exploring strategic digital opportunities and growth initiatives.
Theilmann and Nealon will continue to work closely with the company’s senior merchandising leadership, Elizabeth Sweney and Steven Lawrence, the EVPs and senior general merchandise managers for, respectively, women's apparel, accessories, handbags and shoes and fine jewelry, and men's, home and children's. Both senior leadership teams will continue to report to Myron Ullman, III, chairman and CEO.
“We are fortunate to have outstanding leadership talent in place as we work to achieve JCPenney’s vision of being America’s favorite shopping destination and industry growth leader,” said Ullman. “Today’s announcement recognizes the enormous contributions Tom and Mike have made in developing and executing on our Long Range Plan strategies. They have shown exceptional leadership in positioning our associates for success in delivering a highly compelling customer experience, maximizing the benefits from our industry-leading merchandising capabilities, leveraging new technologies and capitalizing on growth opportunities.”
Nealon joined JCPenney as its CIO in 2006. He joined the company from EDS, where he served on assignment as the SVP and chief information officer at Southwest Airlines. Prior to that, Nealon was a partner at the Feld Group, an IT management consultancy firm later acquired by EDS.
Theilmann joined JCPenney in 2005 as its chief human resources and administration officer. He joined JCPenney from Yum! Brands, where he held positions of increasing responsibility including SVP international human resources and chief people officer.