JCPenney announced that John Aylward has accepted the position as chief marketing officer (CMO) effective June 6, 2022.

Aylward assumes the role as the retailer focuses on strengthening customer loyalty and changes how it connects with customers. Aylward will help advance JCPenney’s omnichannel strategy to deliver a contemporary experience its stores and digital platform. He will lead the company’s marketing strategy, creative, visual merchandising, store design, and customer engagement employees.

“The 120-year-old JCPenney brand is iconic. We must protect what the brand represents while evolving how it expresses who we are today,” said Marc Rosen, CEO. “John will help fulfill our potential at this pivotal moment when JCPenney stands alone as a one-stop retailer.”

Aylward joins the company from the global non-profit CARE as CMO for five years. He has been a marketer in the U.S. and internationally for brands, including HSN, DSW, Starbucks, and Gap.

Photo courtesy John Aylward