J.C. Penney puts retail veteran in charge of new center core strategy

Plano, Texas — J.C. Penney Co. has named Laurie Beja Miller as executive VP The Square, a position in which she will lead the company’s efforts to execute its new center core strategy. The appointment follows J.C. Penney’s previously plans to transform its stores by adding some 100 in-store branded shops and converting the center of its stores to a “Town Square” area that offer various services.



Miller, 54, brings more than two decades of experience at leading retailers and iconic brands, including Nike, Apple and Disney, to J.C. Penney.



She will join the chain on April 1, and report to J.C. Penney president and CEO Ron Johnson.



“In the golden age of department stores, America’s families came for more than just to shop,” Johnson said in a statement. They were able to have fun experiences and were offered a range of useful services. We are going to revive that excitement and convenience at J.C. Penney, and Laurie is the ideal person to lead the charge. She brings an exceptional track record of creating differentiated shopping environments, unique insight into customer behavior, and a passion about retail that will all be invaluable as we execute our concept for J.C. Penney’s stores.”



Miller most recently served as senior VP and general manager Americas at Bare Escentuals, which she joined in 2010. Prior to that, she spent three years at Nike as general manager, VP Nike Retail U.S. Her resume also includes serving as VP special projects at Apple, senior VP and general merchandise manager at Pottery Barn, and executive VP at Disney Stores, focused on product development.