News

J.C. Penney taps senior leader for chief merchant role

Newly minted CEO makes a big executive appointment.

September 30, 2015

There’s a shuffle in leadership taking place at J.C. Penney as the retailer is switching out its chief merchant.

Longtime J.C. Penney executive John Tighe will be the company’s new chief merchant come Oct. 1. He replaces Elizabeth Sweney, who is retiring at year’s end and who held the job for the past three years, according to a Dow Jones report.

Tighe, 46, who’s been with J.C. Penney for 13 years, had been serving as senior VP for the men’s and other store business units and will report to CEO Marvin Ellison in his new role. Prior to joining J.C. Penney, Tighe, who initially came into J.C. Penney as a buyer, worked at May Department Stores for a decade.

It’s the latest executive shuffle for the retailer. Ellison took on the role of CEO on Aug. 1, and Dow Jones reports soon began seeking a new chief merchant. In addition, James Starke was promoted to senior VP for men's apparel.