J.C. Penney adds another Apple exec to its team

Plano, Texas -- On Thursday, J.C. Penney and CEO Ron Johnson announced a new lineup of executive players to join the department store retailer’s team, one of them from the ranks of Apple.



Benjamin Fay, senior director of retail real estate, design and development for Apple, has been named executive VP real estate, store design and development for J.C. Penney.



In his new role, Fay is charged with creating a new interface for retail through a Penney’s store of the future, as well as implementing the Shops strategy and the remodel and maintenance of all existing stores.



Fay will report directly to Johnson.



“Having worked with him over the last 12 years, I am delighted to see Ben step into this new role at JCP," said Johnson. "His design influence has made the Apple stores highly regarded retail destinations around the world, and I am excited to have Ben place his own mark on JCP as we re-imagine the J.C. Penney store of the future."



John Singleton has been appointed executive VP chief supply chain officer. Singleton previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, where he was responsible for distribution, transportation, trade policy and brand protection functions. Prior to that, he served as senior VP logistics and trade at Ann Taylor Stores.



Kristin Hays has been promoted to senior VP communications. Hays joined J.C. Penney in 2002 as a litigation attorney and held a variety of leadership positions within legal, corporate communications and investor relations, most recently as VP investor relations.



As well, Laura Sandall has been appointed VP events marketing and publicity and Michelynn Woodard as VP philanthropy.