JCPenney renews merchandising team, Chief Merchant John Tighe to step down

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Nov 6, 2017

JCPenney on Friday announced an organizational restructuring designed to streamline its merchandise buying teams. The announcement comes days after the retailer cut its full-year forecast.

 
The restructuring is an attempt by JCPenney to promote agility in its buying teams. The retailer has eliminated the Chief Merchant position, and as a result, John Tighe will leave the company to pursue other opportunities.
 
In addition, Jodie Johnson, SVP and Senior GMM of women's apparel, Sephora, salon, women's specialty, footwear and handbags; James Starke, SVP and Senior GMM of men's apparel, children's apparel and jewelry; and Val Harris, SVP of product development and design, will report to Chairman and CEO Marvin R. Ellison, effective immediately.

Tony Hurst, SVP and GMM of home, will take on the responsibility of custom window design and home services, as well as commercial sales, and he will report to Joe McFarland, EVP of stores.
 
"Today's executive realignment reflects a growing need to ensure our company remains nimble and flexible amid the constant change and transformation in the retail environment,” said Ellison.
 
“I have the utmost confidence in our executive leaders who will continue to drive efficiency across their respective divisions, and will be empowered to make dynamic buying decisions based on real-time customer data. This simplified structure offers greater flexibility, which is critical to ensuring our assortment remains fresh and relevant, and compels more shoppers to choose JCPenney.”
 
JCPenney on Monday cut its full year forecast due to heavy discounts in apparel during the back-to-school season. The company now expects full year comparable store sales to be flat and no longer expects an increase in full year comparable store sales, the latter in which sent shares down to a record low on Monday.