JCPENNEY ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO SENIOR MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE TO FURTHER ALIGN WITH STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Chief Merchant John Tighe to oversee product development and design within merchandising organization; Supply Chain SVP Mike Robbins assumes added responsibility for global sourcing

PLANO, Texas - (Feb. 15, 2016) - J. C. Penney Company, Inc. JCP today announced actions to enhance its organizational structure and promote collaboration in support of the Company's leading private brand portfolio. 

After 39 years with the Company, Ken Mangone, EVP, product development, design and sourcing, is retiring effective April 1. Val Harris; former vice president of product development, design and trend for Women's businesses; has been promoted to senior vice president, 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, executive vice president and chief merchant, ensuring seamless connectivity between the Company's merchandising and product development and design teams. Mangone will serve in an advisory role to assist with the transition.

"Val is a trusted and highly-respected member of the JCPenney 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 R. Ellison, chief executive officer of JCPenney. "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. JCPenney 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, making it one of the most sophisticated and experienced retail sourcing organizations in the industry.

Media Relations:

(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com

Investor Relations:

(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. JCP, one of the nation's largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,020 stores and at jcpenney.com, customers will discover a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all shapes, sizes, occasions and budgets. For more information, please visit jcpenney.com.

###