J. C. Penney announced late Monday that William A. Ackman of Pershing Square Capital Management has resigned from the Board effective Aug. 12, 2013. Ackman is best known for his actions to bring in former Apple retail chief Ron Johnson to run the mid-tier retailer, a move that ended in near disaster for the company.
Pershing is JCP's largest investor with a 17.7 percent stake in the retailer.
CNBC is reporting that Ackman can't sell his shares over the next several months because o fthe inside information he has about the company, citing sources familiar with the matter.
JCP also announced that Ronald W. Tysoe, “a highly respected retail industry executive” who spent 16 years as Vice Chairman at Federated Department Stores Inc., has been elected to the Board also effective Aug. 12, 2013. In addition, the Board said that it intends to name another highly qualified new director in the near future.
Thomas Engibous, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, “The company is extremely fortunate to have the benefit of Ron Tysoe`s judgment and experience at this important time. His deep knowledge of the retail industry and his financial expertise will be invaluable to us as we continue the work underway to return J. C. Penney to profitability and growth. I would like to thank Bill Ackman for his service on the Board over the past two years.”
Ackman said, “During my time on the J. C. Penney Board of Directors, I have always advocated for what I believe to be in the best interests of the Company – its stockholders, employees and others. At this time, I believe that the addition of two new directors and my stepping down from the Board is the most constructive way forward for J. C. Penney and all other parties involved.”
Tysoe said, “J. C. Penney is one of America`s great companies, and I am very happy to be joining the Board of Directors. I look forward to working collaboratively with the rest of the Board and management to advance the turnaround currently underway.”
The Board on Monday also reaffirmed its overwhelming support for CEO Mike Ullman and for Chairman Thomas Engibous, both of whom “have been working tirelessly to position the company for future success.” The Board said this has included stabilizing the company's operations and financial position, restoring confidence among vendors, and taking steps to get customers back into stores.
The Board expresses its deep appreciation for the efforts of the company's 116,000 associates, who continue to provide outstanding service to J. C. Penney's customers during the back-to-school season. It is also grateful to the many vendors and other business partners, as well as stockholders, who have taken the opportunity during the past week to express their confidence in the company's leadership and its current path.
Ronald W. Tysoe has over 20 years of retail, finance and real estate investment industry experience. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of Federated Department Stores Inc. from 1988 to 2005, as Vice Chairman for Finance and Real Estate from 1990 to 2006, and as Chief Financial Officer from 1990 to 1997.
Mr. Tysoe currently serves on the boards of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM), Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI), Cintas Corporation (CTAS), and Taubman Centers, Inc. (TCO). He received his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of British Columbia.
