JC Penney appoints new executives to accelerate innovation
JC Penney has made two executive appointments as it looks accelerate innovation.
The US department store chain has appointed Sharmeelee Bala as chief information officer and Katie Mullen as chief digital and transformation officer.
Bala will be responsible for the IT and global technology systems that power the company’s stores, operational centres, supply chain and corporate functions. This will include leading the development of solutions to merge JC Penney’s physical assets with its evolving digital footprint.
She has joined the business from Gap where she held a number of leadership positions and most recently served as the head of product engineering. Prior to that, she spent 20 years with Walmart in a range of technology and executive roles of increasing responsibility.
Meanwhile, Mullen will lead growth of the ecommerce business, including jcp.com. She will also be responsible for driving enterprise strategy and the company’s transformation agenda.
She previously spent nearly three years with Neiman Marcus Group, serving as chief transformation officer and then chief digital officer. She is also a former a partner and managing director of Boston Consulting Group.
Marc Rosen, JC Penney chief executive, said: “With a strong balance sheet and unique products and services backed by our iconic American brand, JC Penney is a destination for best-in-class talent like Sharmeelee and Katie. They will be invaluable partners as we move forward with our digital journey and transform the business through technology and innovation.”
