J.C. Penney expands its team

America's retail store J.C. Penney has announced several new appointments

in the company. It has appointed corporate leaders to head key positions in company. The designation receiving the appointments are executive vice president in real estate and supply chain, Senior Vice President to head corporate and internal communications functions and vice president for events marketing and publicity.

Benjamin Fay, 40, has joined the J.C. Penney team as EVP, real estate, store design and development. Leading the company's strategic presence in more than 1,100 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Fay will guide the development of the all-new JCP store of the future intended to create an entirely new interface for retail. Fay joins J.C. Penney from Apple, where he served as senior director of retail real estate, design and development. Prior to this position, Fay worked at Gensler on the Apple account, where his creative talents were instrumental in overseeing the standard design execution of Apple retail stores across the country. Fay will report to Chief Executive Officer Ron Johnson.

John Singleton, 51, has been appointed EVP, chief supply chain officer. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Singleton is responsible for leading the company's global supply chain operations by overseeing its domestic and international transportation and distribution networks. Singleton previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, where he was responsible for distribution, transportation, trade policy and brand protection functions. Singleton retired as a lieutenant colonel after 22 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force. Singleton will report to J.C. Penney Chief Operating Officer Mike Kramer.

Kristin Hays, 41, has been promoted to SVP, communications. In her new role, Hays will oversee the company's corporate and internal communications functions, as well as investor relations. Hays joined J.C. Penney 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 will report to J.C. Penney President Michael Francis.

Laura Sandall has been appointed VP, events marketing and publicity, and is responsible for utilizing innovative events and publicity strategies to help generate buzz and excitement around the J.C. Penney brand. Prior to joining J.C. Penney, Sandall formed and led Sandall Marketing, where she developed numerous breakthrough events, publicity programs and initiatives on behalf of various clients.

Michelynn Woodard joins J.C. Penney as VP, philanthropy. With over 15 years’ experience in corporate philanthropy across multiple industries, including entertainment, non-profit, television, digital media and music, Woodard will lead the company's charitable efforts in more than 1,100 J.C. Penney communities nationwide.

Founded over 110 years ago, James Cash Penney founded this company. Today J.C. Penney has 1,100 stores.