Ken Hicks has been promoted to President and Chief Merchandising Officer of JCPenney, reporting to Chairman and CEO Myron (Mike) Ullman.
In announcing the appointment, Ullman said, “Ken is a proven merchandising professional who has done an outstanding job leading JCPenney’s stores, planning and allocation, and merchandise operational support functions for the past two years. He brings terrific JCPenney experience to this new assignment, along with excellent merchandising know-how from previous work in other organizations. I am confident Ken is the right person for this critical role.”
Hicks said, “I am excited about the opportunity to lead such a strong and respected merchandise team. Our focus will continue to be on ways to enhance the quality, style, and value JCPenney is known for, and the convenience of our store, catalog, and Internet shopping options.”
Hicks joined JCPenney as President and Chief Operating Officer of Stores and Merchandise Operations in 2002, after a career spanning more than 20 years in merchandising and product development. Before joining JCPenney, he served as President of Payless Shoe Source, Inc., where he was responsible for merchandising, marketing, product distribution, and product development. He has also served as executive vice president and general merchandise manager for the Home Shopping Network, and senior vice president and general merchandise manager for May Department Stores in its May Merchandising and Foley’s divisions, where he was responsible for shoes, accessories, cosmetics, home, juniors and intimate apparel. Hicks joined May Department Stores as senior vice president, strategic planning, from the consulting firm of McKinsey and Company. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and earned an M.B.A. with highest distinction from the Harvard Business School.
Hicks will continue to be responsible for JCPenney stores, supply chain, and store environment, design and construction until a chief operating officer successor is identified.
