J.C. Penney announces staff changes

J.C. Penney (JCP) announced its fresh

appointment and promotions of several highly accomplished retail veterans to its merchandising functions, operational functions and investor relations.

Bob Peterson was appointed for the newly formed position of SVP, operational strategy, and will play the role of identifying and evaluating key business opportunities and strategic alliances. Peterson will be reporting jointly to Chief Operating officer Mike Kramer and Chief Financial Officer Ken Hannah. Before joining JCP, Peterson offered his services for 20 years to Piper Jaffray under various roles.

JCP is giving a promotion to Thorsten Weber: he was appointed as SVP, merchandising planning and allocation, where he will continue to lead merchandising planning and allocation efforts. Having a wide range of retail experience, Weber held multiple roles of increasing responsibility for the company since 2002.

Also, Vaneet Grover was appointed as SVP, procurement. Grover previously worked as the SVP, supply chain, for Tandy Brands. Before, he has also offered his service to Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Agilent Technologies and Boeing. Both Thorsten Weber and Vaneet Grover will be reporting to Chief Operating Officer Mike Kramer.

JCP appointed Eric Cerny as VP, investor relations. He will be reporting to Kristin Hays, SVP, Communications. Before joining J C Penny, Cerny worked with top retail companies like Macy's, Home Depot and Abercrombie & Fitch, in a broad range of positions, including financial planning, merchandise planning, public relations and human resources. John Tighe, SVP and former general merchandise manager of the JCP Home division has been promoted to general merchandise manager of the Men's division. He will be reporting to Chief Merchant Liz Sweney. In 2002, Tighe joined the company as a senior buyer, and eventually held various positions. Before joining J C Penny, Tighe worked for 12 years at May Department Stores in various merchandising roles. Also, he worked with Meier and Frank as a divisional merchandise manager in juniors for two years.

Paul Rutenis who joined J.C. Penny in April 2011 as the divisional merchandise manager of furniture and decorative accessories, has been promoted to SVP and general merchandise manager for the jcp Home division. He began his career with May Department Stores in 1991 in a series of merchandising roles, and joined Dick's Sporting Goods in 2006 as a divisional merchandise manager.

Preston Moxcey was appointed as the divisional merchandise manager for men's clothing and accessories. Before joining J.C. Penny, Moxcey worked at Nordstrom for 11 years. During his tenure, he held various positions. Most recently, he worked as the national merchandise manager for men's furnishings and accessories for Nordstrom. Moxcey will be reporting directly to John Tighe.

Over 110 years old, J.C. Penney provides a variety of apparel for the whole family, jewelry, housewares and home decor, and shoes. Its services also include gift registry, employment and credit card information. The Company runs its business through 1,100 J C Penny stores and an online store.