In a strong signal that it will emphasize ecommerce to drive its rebound from a pandemic-forced bankruptcy, JCPenney has appointed Marc Rosen as its CEO, effective Nov. 1. Rosen brings more than 25 years of retail and ecommerce experience to this new role, most recently serving as EVP and President of Levi Strauss Americas at Levi Strauss & Co. As leader of the company’s Digital Enterprise Office, he drove digital strategy for one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies. Prior to that, Rosen spent 14 years at Walmart in a variety of senior leadership functions, ultimately serving as SVP of Global Ecommerce.
JCPenney was purchased by shopping center owners Brookfield Property Partners and Simon Property Group in Sept. 2020 for $1.75 billion, with participation from Authentic Brands Group. The purchase followed JCPenney’s bankruptcy filing in May 2020, which included plans to close 242 stores. The nearly 120-year-old department store chain currently operates 670 stores nationwide.
Rosen is succeeding Stanley Shashoua, Simon’s CIO who was appointed JCPenney CEO in January 2021. Following Rosen’s appointment, Shashoua will lead the retailer’s board of directors as executive chairman.
“I have spent my career focused on iconic American retailers and it has given me a unique perspective on the value of heritage brands,” said Rosen in a statement. “Joining at this milestone moment in the company’s history, I am eager to propel the business into its next era and connect with our customers in new ways.”
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