J.C. Penney revs up omnichannel efforts with Home Depot, Target exec hires

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney nabbed a key executive from Home Depot and also one from Target Corp. as it seeks to maximize the power, reach and integration of its omnichannel efforts.



The department store retailer named Michael Amend, former VP of online, mobile and omnichannel for Home Depot, to the position of executive VP of omnichannel effective immediately. He fills a position previously held by Mike Rodgers who left the company.



Additionally, Mike Robbins, formerly the senior VP of global supply chain for Target, will join Penney as senior VP of supply chain effective Aug. 10.



"Mr. Amend and Mr. Robbins are two exceptional industry veterans who have a successful track record of creating enterprise inventory networks that enable brick-and-mortar and e-commerce to merge into one seamless shopping experience," said Marvin Ellison, CEO of J.C. Penney. "Their backgrounds perfectly align with our long-term growth plan to become a world-class omnichannel retailer."



Amend will report directly to Ellisson. Penney credited Amend with leading the development of several groundbreaking omnichannel initiatives at Home Depot. Amend was the executive sponsor responsible for rolling out the chain’s buy online pick-up in store initiative as well as its buy online, ship to store, and buy online, deliver from store programs.



Amend also led the company's efforts to develop best in class mobile experiences, Penney said. Prior to Home Depot, Amend was chief technology officer for global online at Dell and deputy chief technology officer for BEA Systems.



At Target, Robbins spent the past 13 years at in positions of increasing responsibility with the retailer’s distribution network. Prior to Target, Robbins held positions in marketing and supply chain for AutoZone and Procter & Gamble.



Robbins will report to Ken Mangone, executive VP of product development, design and sourcing at Penney. Robbins replaces Marie Lacertosa, senior VP of supply chain, who will be retiring from the company after more than 30 years.