J.C. Penney announces senior management promotions, additions

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. on Thursday announced several promotions and additions to its merchandising, operations and investor relations areas.



“We’re rethinking every element of the retail business and there's no better way to re-imagine the possibilities than to tap the proven abilities of our own extraordinary talent along with the fresh perspectives offered by industry experts new to our organization,” said CEO Ron Johnson.



In the operations area, Bob Peterson has been appointed to senior VP operational strategy, and will be responsible for identifying and evaluating key business opportunities and strategic alliances. He was previously with Piper Jaffray.



Thorsten Weber has been promoted to senior VP merchandising planning and allocation, where he will continue to lead our merchandising planning and allocation efforts. Weber has a wide range of retail experience, having held multiple roles of increasing responsibility at J.C. Penney since 2002. Vaneet Grover has been appointed as senior VP procurement. He was previously senior VP supply chain for Tandy Brands.



In the merchandising area, John Tighe, senior VP and former general merchandise manager of the Home division, will become general merchandise manager of the Men's division. Paul Rutenis has been promoted to senior VP and general merchandise manager for the Home division.



Eric Cerny has been appointed as VP investor relations. Most recently, Cerny oversaw investor relations at Abercrombie & Fitch.