News

Former Apple exec joins jcpenney

April 27, 2012

To help redefine its brand, J. C. Penney Company Inc. has announced several new leadership appointments, including former Apple designer Benjamin Fay. As the company's EVP of real estate, store design and development, Fay will lead jcp's strategic presence in more than 1,100 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and guide the development of the new jcp store of the future, according to a company press release. Additionally, he will be responsible for the implementation of the Shops strategy, as well as the remodel and maintenance of all existing jcp stores. Fay, 40, joins jcpenney from Apple, where he served as senior director of retail real estate, design and development. In this role, he led the design team responsible for upholding the brand image and unique design aesthetic associated with its worldwide portfolio of Apple retail stores. Prior to this position, Fay worked at Gensler on the Apple account, where his creative talents were instrumental to overseeing the standard design execution of Apple retail stores across the country, said jcpenney CEO Ron Johnson.

"Ben is an incredibly creative professional with extraordinary leadership skills," he said. "His design influence has made the Apple stores highly regarded retail destinations around the world, and I am excited to have Ben place his own mark on jcp as we re-imagine the jcpenney store of the future."

John Singleton, 51, has been appointed EVP, chief supply chain officer. With nearly 20 years of industry experience, Singleton is responsible for leading the company's global supply chain operations by overseeing its domestic and international transportation and distribution networks. Singleton is charged with simplifying the supply chain processes by driving quality and efficiency throughout jcpenney's logistics operations. Singleton previously worked for Abercrombie & Fitch, where he was responsible for distribution, transportation, trade policy and brand protection functions, according to the press release.

Kristin Hays, 41, has been promoted to SVP of communications. In her new role, Hays will oversee the company's corporate and internal communications functions, as well as investor relations. Through her leadership, all company communications will be strategically aligned to ensure messaging is cohesive and reinforces the new jcpenney brand. Hays joined jcpenney in 2002 as a litigation attorney and held a variety of leadership positions within legal, corporate communications and investor relations, most recently as vice president of investor relations, according to the release.

Other new appointments include: Laura Sandall, VP of events marketing and publicity and Michelynn Woodard, VP of philanthropy.