JCPenney's new logo, signaling a "transformation" of its business
Plano, TX—JCPenney announced Thursday another new round of top executive appointments–including another Apple veteran–to help steer the department store under its new “Fair and Square” strategy.
“We are assembling a world-class leadership team that will come together and re-imagine a store experience that is not only exciting and relevant today, but will inspire future generations of JCPenney shoppers,” said Ron Johnson, JCPenney’s ceo, himself the former top retail executive at Apple. “I am thrilled to have these newly appointed leaders join our efforts as we transform JCPenney into America’s favorite store.”
As has been the case recently, JCPenney tapped another Apple retail executive: this time, Benjamin Fay, who had been senior director of Apple’s retail real estate, design and development. Fay, 40, has been appointed JCPenney’s executive vice president, real estate, store design and development and will help guide the “new JCP store of the future intended to create an entirely new interface for retail.”
Fay’s “design influence has made the Apple stores highly regarded retail destinations around the world, and I am excited to have Ben place his own mark on JCP as we re-imagine the JCPenney store of the future,” Johnson said.
Apple’s Fay to Oversee Shops Strategy
Additionally, Fay will be in charge of setting up the new Shops strategy which reportedly will consist of single brand shops of at least 500 square feet. He also will spearhead the remodel and maintenance of all existing stores. Prior to Apple, Fay worked at Gensler on the Apple account, where he was instrumental to overseeing the standard design execution of Apple retail stores across the country. Fay will report to Johnson.
Previously, JCPenney has added other Apple alumni to key posts, including Michael Kramer as chief operating officer, Daniel Walker as chief talent officer, Kristen Blum as chief technology officer and Laurie Beja Miller as executive vice president of The Square.
In other appointments:
John Singleton, 51, has been made executive vice president, chief supply chain officer, responsible for the retailer’s global supply chain operations by overseeing its domestic and international transportation and distribution networks. Singleton is charged with simplifying the supply chain processes by driving quality and efficiency throughout logistics operations.
Singleton previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, where he was responsible for distribution, transportation, trade policy and brand protection functions. Prior to that, Singleton served as senior vice president of logistics and trade at Ann Taylor Stores and held positions leading distribution efforts for The Stanley Works, Circuit City Stores and The Stride Rite Corporation. Singleton will report to Mike Kramer, chief operating officer.
Kristin Hays, 41, has been promoted to senior vice president, communications. Hays will oversee corporate and internal communications functions, as well as investor relations. Under her authority, all company communications will be “strategically aligned to ensure messaging is cohesive and reinforces the new JCPenney brand.” Hays joined the company in 2002 as a litigation attorney and held a variety of leadership positions within legal, corporate communications and investor relations, most recently as vice president of investor relations. Hays reports to Michael Francis, president.
Additionally, the retailer added more leadership team members who report to Katheryn Burchett, senior vice president of merchandising and marketing integration:
Laura Sandall has been appointed vice president, events marketing and publicity, and is responsible for creating events and publicity strategies to help generate buzz around the JCPenney brand. Previously, Sandall formed and led Sandall Marketing, where she developed events, publicity programs and initiatives on behalf of various clients. Sandall also served as the director of events marketing and publicity at Target.
Michelynn Woodard becomes vice president philanthropy. With more than 15 years experience in corporate philanthropy across multiple industries, Woodard will lead the JCPenney’s charitable efforts in more than 1,100 communities nationwide through strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations that “represent the Fair and Square values inherent” to the brand. Woodard’s cause-related experience has included leadership positions at Creative Artists Agency, West Brands, LLC and Be the Change, Inc.
