J.C Penney announces executive changes

J. C. Penney Company has taken steps to enhance its organisational structure and promote collaboration in support of the company's leading private brand portfolio. After 39 years with the company, Ken Mangone, EVP, product development, design and sourcing, is retiring effective April 1, 2016. Val Harris; former vice president of product development, design and trend for Women's businesses; has been promoted to Senior Vice President, product development and design.

In this new role, Harris will oversee the company's team of more than 200 textile, technical and fashion designers based in New York City and Plano, Texas, who translate trends and develop seasonal collections for its private brands. Harris will report to John Tighe, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchant. Mangone will serve in an advisory role to assist with the transition.

"Val is a trusted and highly-respected member of the JCPenney team who, in her over 30 years at the company, has driven the product development and trend directions of many of our class-leading private and exclusive brands," said Marvin R. Ellison, Chief Executive Officer of JCPenney.

Additionally, Mike Robbins, SVP, supply chain, has gained responsibility over the company's sourcing organisation, which includes a network of international buying offices, quality control functions, social compliance teams and other global operations.