JCPenney said former Gap and Walmart executive Sharmeelee Bala has been named chief information officer and Katie Mullen has joined the company from Neiman Marcus Group as chief digital and transformation officer.
The appointments come just months after Marc Rosen was named CEO in October 2021. Rosen drove digital strategy at Levi Strauss & Co after holding a number of roles at Walmart, including SVP, global e-commerce.
Bala will assume responsibility for IT for the organization and global technology systems that power the company’s stores, operational centers, supply chain, and corporate functions. Bala will also lead the development of solutions to unite JCPenney’s physical assets with its digital footprint. Bala joins the company from Gap, Inc., where she held leadership roles since 2018 and most recently served as its head of product engineering. Bala also spent 20 years with Walmart in technology and executive roles of increasing responsibility.
Mullen will lead the growth of JCPenney’s e-commerce business, including jcp.com, as the retailer reimagines how consumers experience shopping no matter when, where or how they shop. Mullen will also be responsible for driving enterprise strategy and its transformation agenda. Mullen most recently spent nearly three years with Neiman Marcus Group 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, JCPenney is a destination for best-in-class talents like Sharmeelee and Katie,” said Rosen. “Sharmeelee and Katie will be invaluable partners as we move forward with our digital journey and transform the business through technology and innovation.”
