J.C. Penney promotes three executives

Dallas J.C. Penney Co. has promoted three executives, giving them expanded duties in a new senior merchandising leadership structure. The company also has suspended its search for a president.

Executive VPs Jeffrey J. Allison, Steven Lawrence, Elizabeth H. Sweney were given the additional titles of senior general merchandise manager. Allison will now oversee home, custom decorating and fine jewelry. Lawrence is responsible for children's and men's. Sweney will lead shoes, women's accessories and the company's largest division, women's apparel.

The changes take advantage of the depth of talent within the company, J.C. Penney said. Myron Ullman will continue to lead all executive areas of the chain, driving the company’s growth strategies for the long term. Consistent with its plan for the coming years, J.C. Penney said, the Board of Directors has decided to discontinue its search for a president.

The restructuring follows the departure of president and chief merchandising officer Ken Hicks, who left J.C. Penney in July to become chief executive of Foot Locker.