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J.C. Penney Company has added a former senior advisor to the director of the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), to its board of directors.   Debora Plunkett is joining the Penney board. Possessing extensive experience in cybersecurity, information assurance and innovation in information security, Plunkett has a deep understanding of the data-driven and interconnected world of today, the retailer said.  

CVS Health on Thursday appointed 26-year company veteran Jonathan C. Roberts executive to the new position of executive VP and COO.     As COO, Roberts, who currently serves as president of CVS Caremark, the company's pharmacy benefit management business, will have responsibility for consolidating operational oversight across CVS Health's unique suite of assets.     

Raley’s has given COO Keith Knopf the additional title of president.   Raleys owner & CEO, Michael Teel announced the promotion of Knopf, who joined the company nearly two years ago, around the time Teel took majority ownership of the company. Teel will continue to direct the development of Raley’s overall strategic plan.  

The baton has been passed at Beauty Brands as it looks to enter its “next phase of growth.”   The Kansas City-based retailer has named Caryn Lerner as CEO, succeeding Lyn Kirby, who will remain chairman. Kirby is part of the group that bought Beauty Brands in 2014 from founder Bob Bernstein. Since then, she has served as CEO and chairman of the company, reportedly commuting between Chicago and Kansas City.  Prior to Beauty Brands, Kirby served as CEO of Ulta Beauty.   

Ralph Lauren Corporation has created two executive positions as the company continues its turnaround efforts and to search for a new chief executive.   Ralph Lauren tapped Jonathan Bottomley to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, effective April 3. He will be responsible for evolving Ralph Lauren’s brand voice, leading the global marketing team and building cut-through marketing strategies across the company’s brands.  

Mattress Firm has tapped a veteran energy marketing executive to head up its marketing efforts.    The company has appointed Sicily Dickenson as its chief marketing officer. Dickenson brings more than 13 years of experience in digital marketing, marketing communications, creative services and brand marketing.    

Walgreens Boots Alliance is losing its chief merchandising and marketing officer.   Linda Filler, Walgreens' president of retail products and chief merchandising and marketing officer, will depart the retailer effective April 1. Filler has been in the role since January 1, 2015. Prior to joining the drug store chain, she was president of Claire’s Stores. Before Claire’s, Filler served as was executive VP and chief merchandising officer for Sam’s Club,   

Caleres has made two executive appointment in its Famous Footwear division.   The company named Karlyn Mattson as chief merchandising officer, leading Famous Footwear’s buying, merchandising, planning, allocation and analytic functions.     Mattson joins Caleres from a 25-year career at Target Corp., where she was most recently VP merchandise manager of shoes, accessories and intimate Apparel for retail and online. She held leadership positions at May Company and Macy’s.