J.C. Penney executives with oversight in merchandising and product development have new responsibilities today following the retirement of long-time executive Ken Mangone.
The department store retailer announced that Mangone is retiring effective April 1 after a 39-year career with the company. He had most recently served as J.C. Penney’s evp/product development, design and sourcing.
As a result, Val Harris has been promoted to svp/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, evp and chief merchant.
Harris most recently served as the company’s vp/product development, design and trend for women’s businesses.
“Val is a trusted and highly-respected member of the J.C. Penney 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 Ellison, CEO of J.C. Penney. “We are confident Val`s experience will allow us to continue delivering unmatched style, quality, and value— a high standard maintained by Ken Mangone in his many years of honorable service to the company.”
Additionally, Mike Robbins, svp/supply chain, has gained responsibility over the company`s sourcing organization, which includes a network of international buying offices, quality control functions, social compliance teams and other global operations. J.C. Penney is one of the largest importers of textiles and apparel in the U.S., sourcing from approximately 400 suppliers located in 32 countries around the globe, according to the retailer.
