J.C. Penney appoints executives to lead technology and digital organizations

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Jan 12, 2022

J.C. Penney announced on Tuesday the appoitnment of two new executives to fortify the company’s e-commerce and omnichannel investments.

Sharmeelee Bala has been named chief information officer (CIO). In this role, she will head the information technology (IT) organization and global technology systems that power the company’s stores, operational centers and supply chain, and corporate functions. Bala will also help to unite J.C. Penney’s physical and digital assets. 

She joins the company from Gap Inc., where she most recently served as the head of product engineering. Bala also spent 20 years with Walmart in a number of technology and executive roles. 

Likewise, Katie Mullen was named J.C. Penney’s chief digital and transformation officer (CDO). Mullen will lead the growth of the e-commerce business, including jcp.com, and she will also be responsible for driving enterprise strategy and the company’s transformation agenda.

She joins the company from Neiman Marcus Group, where for the last three years, she served as chief transformation officer and then chief digital officer. Previously, she was a partner and managing director at Boston Consulting Group.

“With a strong balance sheet and unique products and services backed by our iconic American brand, J.C. Penney is a destination for best-in-class talent like Sharmeelee and Katie,” said Marc Rosen, chief executive officer. “Sharmeelee and Katie will be invaluable partners as we move forward with our digital journey and transform the business through technology and innovation.”

The company currently operates more than 650 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico and at the company’s flagship store, jcp.com.